DBQ on US reform movements

The second great awakening and the emphasis on increased morals encouraged reform movements that sought to expand democratic ideals. With the focus on intense religious revivalism and reform movements such as temperance, abolition, and education, the United States created a more democratic society. The second great awakening was led by Charles G. Finney who preached that human beings were saved by faith but that they should demonstrate such faith through moral correctness and good works (…

…in perfect equality. This belief expressed democratic ideals because it showed people were really striving for equality (Doc. F). The Second Great Awakening sparked a nationwide wave of reform movements—including temperance, abolition, moral reform, education, and utopian societies which all reflected democratic ideas. From Dorothea Dix protecting the rights of the mentally ill, to Horace Mann achieving better education for citizens, the early-mid 1800‘s proved to be a time that strongly expanded democratic ideals.