Topic 4.11
An Age of Reform

THEMATIC FOCUS American and Regional Culture(ARC) Creative expression, demographic change, philosophy, religious beliefs, scientific ideas, social mores, and technology shape national, regional, and group cultures in America, and these varying cultures often play a role in shaping government policy and developing economic systems

Learning Objective K 
Explain how and why various reform movements developed and expanded from 1800 to 1848.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS 
KC-4.1.II.A.ii
The rise of democratic and individualistic beliefs, a response to rationalism, and changes to society caused by the market revolution, along with greater social and geographical mobility, contributed to moral and social reforms and inspired utopian and other religious movements.
KC-4.1.III.A
Americans formed new voluntary organizations that aimed to change individual behaviors and improve society through temperance and other reform efforts.
KC-4.1.III.B.i
Abolitionist and antislavery movements gradually achieved emancipation in the North, contributing to the growth of the free African American population, even as many state governments restricted African Americans’ rights.
KC-4.3.II.B.i
Antislavery movements increased in the North. KC-4.1.III.C A women’s rights movement sought to create greater equality and opportunities for women, expressing its ideals at the Seneca Falls Convention.