New Harmony

            During the 1820's drastic changes were being made towards advancing and producing an industrial society. Throughout time there were the inventions of the steamboats and canals which allowed the Americans to begin to form a new nation. Americans also began to for into different religions and belief systems. In 1824 a Scottish industrialist, Robert Owen tried to spread his ideas throughout the society. He believed that if the environment of the people was improved, so would the character of these people as well. He believed that the United States would be a good example to begin his new social system in because it was a new and growing nation. Owen had been previously known for his creation of a factory in Scotland that had sanitary housing, free education for all, and child labor restrictions. Owen wanted to create a cooperative community at New Harmony to have an equally balanced town. The objective of the New System of Society was to promise happiness for a good majority of the town's people. The only way this would be possible is by supplying them with the things that are necessary and to allow them with the proper training and education from the beginning of their birth. Owen's idea for a New System of Society also had many negative results and people against his ideas. Parents were separated from their children when they were sent to boarding schools and others had long working hours which led them to feel like slaves. Although Owen's idea may have been successful in thought, it also brought about negative effects on the people of the town.
             Robert Owen's idea of a New System of Society consisted of equality among the men and women of the town. He believed that a balanced town would improve the people and their character. The idea was believe to be based on union and cooperation, rather than their individual interest. The people of the town were to have a few hours of healthy work and be able to produce the best of everything for everyone.