Second Great Awakening 1810-1850 Democratic Religion?
Jan 03, 2016
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