APUSH Review: America's History Chapter 11

Summary

Chapter 11 of America's history explores religion and reform between 1800 and 1860, focusing on significant movements like transcendentalism, abolitionism, and women's rights. It highlights key figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and William Lloyd Garrison, as well as the impact of utopian societies like the Shakers and Oneida. The chapter also addresses the cultural context of the time, including the role of minstrel shows and rising nativism. Ultimately, it showcases how these movements shaped American society leading up to the Civil War.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transcendentalism emphasizes individualism and the belief that everyone possesses an inner light that connects them to God.
• 😀 Ralph Waldo Emerson is a key figure in the transcendentalist movement, known for his work 'Self-Reliance'.
• 😀 Henry David Thoreau, influenced by Emerson, focused on self-improvement and nature in his book 'Walden'.
• 😀 Utopian societies emerged during this time, seeking social perfection, including groups like the Shakers and Onida.
• 😀 The abolitionist movement, led by figures like William Lloyd Garrison, aimed to end slavery and promote civil rights.
• 😀 Nat Turner's rebellion in 1831 highlighted the violent backlash against slavery and led to harsher slave laws.
• 😀 The 19th century saw the rise of nativist movements against immigrants, particularly targeting Irish and German communities.
• 😀 Women played a significant role in various reform movements, including abolitionism and the fight for women's rights.
• 😀 The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 marked a pivotal moment for women's rights, emphasizing equality for all.
• 😀 Key social reformers like Horace Mann and Dorothea Dix made significant contributions to education and mental health reform.

Q & A

What is transcendentalism, and who is its main proponent?

Transcendentalism is the belief that every individual possesses an inner light that connects them to the highest truth and God. Its main proponent is Ralph Waldo Emerson, who emphasized self-improvement and a deep connection with nature.

How did Henry David Thoreau contribute to the transcendentalist movement?

Henry David Thoreau contributed by writing 'Walden,' which chronicles his two years living in solitude at Walden Pond, and by authoring 'Civil Disobedience,' where he advocated for resisting unjust laws, influencing future civil rights movements.

What are some characteristics of utopian societies during this period?

Utopian societies sought to achieve perfection in social order and living conditions. For example, the Shakers, founded by Mother Ann Lee, advocated for celibacy and women's rights, while the Oneida community promoted 'free love' and became known for silverware production.

What role did Joseph Smith play in the development of Mormonism?

Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism). He was murdered in Illinois, after which Brigham Young led the Mormons to Utah to establish a safe community.

What was the significance of Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831?

Nat Turner's Rebellion was significant as it resulted in the deaths of 55 whites and harsher slave laws in retaliation. It highlighted the violent resistance against slavery and the extreme measures taken by slave owners to maintain control.

Who was William Lloyd Garrison, and what was his contribution to abolitionism?

William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent abolitionist who published 'The Liberator,' calling for the immediate and uncompensated end to slavery. He helped form the American Anti-Slavery Society and was known for highlighting the violence of slavery.

What was the Underground Railroad, and who was Harriet Tubman?

The Underground Railroad was a network that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom, primarily to Canada. Harriet Tubman was a key figure, estimated to have rescued over 300 people through this network.

What were the main goals of the women’s rights movement in the mid-19th century?

The women's rights movement aimed to secure social independence for women and promote gender equality. This included advocating for voting rights and addressing societal norms that confined women to domestic roles.

What was the significance of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848?

The Seneca Falls Convention, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, was significant as it marked the beginning of the women's rights movement in the U.S. It produced the 'Declaration of Sentiments,' asserting that all men and women are created equal.

What impact did minstrel shows have on American culture in the 19th century?

Minstrel shows perpetuated racist stereotypes and promoted discriminatory views against African Americans. These performances featured white actors in blackface and contributed to the normalization of racism in American popular culture.