Reform Movement Vs Transcendentalism

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In the early to mid-nineteenth century, major cultural movements took place in the United States. New religious movements can be linked to reform movements. Religious changes focused on family life. They also liberated the lives and freedom of women. Reformers were more concerned about controlling society. Reform movements caused people to have a mixed views of the government. The cultural changes that took place were responsible for many changes in American society. In this time period, religious movements spread the idea that everyone in society could achieve salvation. This change in belief can be linked to the upcoming reform movements. Transcendentalism was a religious movement popular in New England. The transcendentalist movement was …show more content…

Depending on which side they chose to be on, people either received strong support or strong opposition. During abolitionism, the government sided with slavery, which gave southerners and slavery supporters positive views of law. Abolitionists, on the other hand, resented the views of the government. By passing the Fugitive Slave Law, slave owners could catch runaways and return them to bondage, which upset many anti-slavery supporters. Strong abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison received strong detestment from the government. The Georgia legislature offered a reward of $5000 to whoever would capture him and bring him to be lynched. Perhaps the biggest disfavor came from politicians. President Andrew Jackson asked Congress to restrict mail usage by abolitionist groups, but Congress denied the request. It did, however, set up the gag rule manufactured by the House of Representatives. The informal rule automatically tabled any anti-slavery petition that came about. The gag rule remained in force until 1844. With it’s pro-slavery views, the government received severe condemnation from abolitionists and strong support from slave owning