Second Great Awakening 1810-1850 Democratic Religion?

Second Great Awakening1810-1850

Democratic Religion?

Revival of interest in religFocus on Bible, need all to read, interpretNew churches, sects, denominations

“Why, I can be saved!”

Individ responsible for salvation, so no predestination

Emotional response; reject rationalism

Active! Revivalist! Intense!

Demand > Supply Camp meetings in absence of churches

Missionary aspects

Individual can change Society can change

Growth of sects, denominationsFaith + good works = salvationU.S. is a “called nation”At least 80 communal experiments active

in 1840s

How fit with rest of chapter?

At same time as . . .

Spread of “universal white male suffrage”Growth of ed opportunities, esp. lyceums

(public lecture halls)Tech change made material culture

cheaperBelief that tech could solve probsHoopla for “common man”Belief in “self-made man” – success up to

you

And . . .

Availability of land important part of democracy

Wilderness made America different from Europe, part of US identity

Democracy, Individuality, Progress

Edwin ChurchNatural Bridge,Virginia

Hudson River School

NOT ed institution!Romanticism Idealized nature; could inspire moral

qualitiesPeaceful coexistenceExpansion, settlementNationalistic, proudLarge canvases

Thomas Cole, The Oxbow

Brook Farm

Started by Unitarians, inspired by Transcendentalism

Joint-stock ($500 entry fee)Share work, worth based on work doneBalance labor and leisureMeant as example to rest of world of

“industry without drudgery, true equality w/o vulgarity.”

Farming = close to nature, independenceLots of playing, dancing at The Hive Individual freedom, incl. wives from

husbandsFails after 6 years

Fruitlands

Vegetarian, whatever grows up (no roots)

Oneida

Abandonment of self for good of whole“Bible communism”Share children (nurseries), wives

(Complex Marriage), secrets (Criticism)Perfectionism

Millerites

Oberlin College

1832 idea of Oberlin College and colony –a pastor and his friend decided to found "A new Jerusalem, a city without sin, in the wilderness."

Artwork at Oberlin

Admits women and African-AmericansBecomes stop on Underground Railroad