An Essay dealing with the Age of Reform, known as the Progressive Era (1820-1860). Hits on the women, penal institutions, and the temperance movement.

1820-1860: An Age of Reform The United States has seen change come and go over time. From the Great Awakening in the 1730s to the Technological revolution of the 20th century, America has constantly seen itself change. However, no period had the type of social reform as the mid-1800s. An "Age of Reform" as it is called, brought about the most drastic movements and reforms. Every type of social issue was discussed and made …

…this particular era of reconstruction and reform. The two biggest issues of the time were one of pessimistic and optimistic views. Slavery (pessimistic) and woman's rights (optimistic) dominated the debate forum of this time. While woman's rights did not lead to a war between a nation, it was just as important as the abolishment of slavery in the history of our country. Both were significant events that eventually changed our societal ideals in our nation.