Social Reform DBQ Essay

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Throughout history there has been many societies that have risen successful, but where there have been success, there is always conflict and problems lurking in the shadows. Some are solved by high authority, but when all else fails the people rise up and form reform movements. A reform movement is a kind of social movement that aims to make a gradual change, or change in certain aspects of society, rather than rapid or fundamental changes. Countless times the United States has experienced a vast history of reforms. In fact, reforms are a key characteristic, which allows the continued success of democracy. Many different groups within the U.S. have struggled for their rights; to spread multiple ideals to benefit the American society. As Isaiah …show more content…

Many times in America there has been issues about class division, even today will still have that problem. As (Document E) declares “…it is god who makes some poor, and others rich; that the rich have many troubles, which we know nothing of; and that the poor , if they are but good, may be very happy…”. This statement not only reveals that poor are not always the ones who pursuit crime, but also that the rich has problems of their own. It shows that the poor struggle and work hard as possible to sustain a suitable, as (Document E) states “ when he sees little boys and girls riding on pretty horses, or in coaches, or walking with ladies and gentlemen, and having on very fine clothes, he does not envy them, nor wish to be like them” . This illuminates that rather than the poor being jealous of the rich, they embrace who they are, and work hard in order to reach a descendant life.. There has been many reform movements to set a stepping stone for the poor, and throughout the years these movements has improved the qualities of the poor. For instance health care, Humanitarian Acts were introduced to aid the poor. Also as (Document F) states “To substitute a system of brotherly cooperation for one of selfish competition; to secure to our children… to guarantee to each other forever the means of physical support.” This shows that the people, such as the ones who were in the Brook Farm association, understood the hardship of a poor life, and wanted to sustain the poor by giving them opportunity to live a life they desire. As this promoted the balance in labor and the growth of a greater community. Each member was choose to do whatever work they found most appealing and all were paid equally. Hence, this shows that the ideals that these movements were fighting for were heard by the people and Congress, as result it became nationally known