In the duration of time between the years 1825-1850, many reform movements were occurring as American citizens fought for the reformation of many laws and institutions. There was the temperance movement, aimed toward lessening alcohol consumption, and in extreme cases, the complete abolishment of it, and the women's rights movement that struggled with the task of equality for women in society and politics. Prison and church reform were also popular causes as people observed the injustices in prisons and viewed certain churches with disdain while American's sought a different salvation and turned to revivals and camp meetings. There were also the abolitionists and the utopians. The abolitionists found slavery to be inhumane and fought to rid America, especially the south, of human bondage forever. The utopians were people unsatisfied with America's normal society and as a result created their own societies where their ideals could be lived and taught. In all of the reforms of 1825-1850, America's democratic ideals were reinforced and spread as people became involved in different causes and movements.
The temperance movement of this time was the result of disgusted citizens and abused wives. As seen in document H, drunkards were not thought highly of, and though wives were still struggling for equality, society did not look kindly on the drunken husband who beat his family. By the reformer's propaganda and rallies, democratic ideals were strengthened as people left their personal lives and fought to enlighten the government and others of the problems resulting from alcohol. These reformers often included most church reformers and women's rights activists. The church reformers were not only anti-alcohol, they also found fault with the current status of most churches .
during this time. Revivals were most common as they traveled from town to town preaching, singing and saving the souls of many abandoned characters (document B).
