Why did the Second Great Awakening lead to reform movements?
http://www.teachushistory.org/second-great-awakening-age-reform
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1091.html
The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that took place in the early 19th century in the United States. It led to a series of reform movements for several reasons. To understand why, let's break it down:
1. Religious fervor: The Second Great Awakening brought about a wave of religious enthusiasm and a desire for personal salvation. People were encouraged to experience a personal relationship with God, leading to a heightened sense of moral responsibility.
2. Social inequality: The period of the Second Great Awakening was marked by significant social and economic changes, such as rapid industrialization and urbanization. These changes resulted in increased societal problems like poverty, inequality, and exploitation. The revivalist preachers of the Second Great Awakening saw these issues as moral challenges that needed to be addressed.
3. Social consciousness: The religious revivalism of the Second Great Awakening emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and societal redemption. As a result, people became more socially conscious, recognizing the need for reform in various aspects of society.
4. Abolitionist movement: The Second Great Awakening played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist movement, which sought to end slavery. Many revivalist preachers condemned slavery as a sin and a violation of Christian principles, promoting the idea of equality among all people.
5. Women's rights movement: The Second Great Awakening also contributed to the emergence of the women's rights movement. Women played a crucial role in the revival meetings, and their participation allowed them to gain confidence and leadership skills. These experiences paved the way for their involvement in reform movements, advocating for women's suffrage and gender equality.
Overall, the Second Great Awakening's emphasis on personal salvation, social responsibility, and the pursuit of moral righteousness laid the groundwork for various reform movements, including abolitionism and the women's rights movement.