The Reform Movements of the 19th Century - Essay Example

The Reform Movements of the 19th Century Introduction America is not new to reforms and struggles. In fact, its history since its discovery by Columbus has been full of conflicts among various forces in the society. Admittedly, the 19th century reform was a success in many aspects though it did not fully achieve what it intended to do. Evidently, it has made enviable strides ahead in slaves’ women’s rights, education, and crime and punishment. However, despite the radical agenda, one cannot claim that the steps were a complete success. Though the previously ignored fractions of society achieved social recognition, there are still issues that exist in society. Evidently, the reform achieved a lot though it fell short of the expectations of the protagonists. Reform and the Slaves One of the most important achievements in the reform was the end of slave regime. In fact, the anti-slavery ideology as propounded by the abolitionists won the battle in 1865 with the 13th Amendment. Evidently, the northern states had started giving up slavery after the American Revolution. However, many states in the south continued depending on slavery as the primary means of labor as they had cotton. Admittedly, one factor that led to the fight for the freedom of slaves is the religious awakening in the reform period, especially among the Protestants. For example, the Protestants proclaimed that it is highly necessary to reform the society to make the Kingdom of God a reality as the religion focused on the Second Coming of Christ. In addition, the Evangelical mission to save others gave women a chance to engage in social reform movements that were aimed at protecting slaves. Being the worst treated creatures in the society, for these reformists, slaves were the primary concern. People like William Lloyd Garrison, Quaker Lucretia Mott and many others formed the American Anti-Slavery Society and many of the members were women; both white and African American. As time passed, by the mid 19th century, the Anti-Slavery Society was split into various fractions including the Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, and even the Liberty Party. By 1848, history saw the Liberty Party joining a coalition and creating the Free Soil Party followed by a Free Soil Convention in 1848. However, as time passed, things were getting complicated in nature. The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 saw marshals seizing and returning fugitive slaves, and thus, the free slaves again fell prey to the southern slaveholders though some managed to flee to Canada. Now, it was time for the Kansas Nebraska Act that allowed each area to decide their policy on slavery. As there was no progress in the slavery issue, in 1859, John Brown and his followers attacked the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia, but as their revolt did not materialize, Brown and followers were caught and hanged. Admittedly, this only resulted in enraging even the pacified supporters of anti-slavery movement. Soon, there arose the Civil War in 1861. As the Civil War ended, history witnessed the passage of the 13th Amendment that outlawed slavery. Five years later, in 1970, there was the 15th Amendment that allowed the African-Americans the right to vote. Admittedly, a lot has been achieved by the reform movement. However, a report by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor shows the picture of an incomplete work. The report Civil rights and civil wrongs: racism in America today that appeared in the November-December 2003 issue of International Socialist Review quotes the President as saying “My nation’s journey toward justice has not been easy and it is not over…the racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation…” (Taylor). In addition, the writers point out the fact that according to statistics, African Americans still continue to lag behind whites in all walks of life. In addition, there is the revelation that the layoffs as a result of recession had more impact on the Blacks than on Whites. In addition is the report from the US Department of Justice that the Black and Latino youth often face a harsher treatment than their White counterparts in the juvenile justice system. According to Beal, this indicates that though slavery disappeared, racism still exists; not only as an ideology in the mindset of people, but also as a force that affects economic and social life. Reform and Women Another important movement of the reform was the women’s right movement that was almost parallel to and intertwined with the anti-slavery movement. However, admittedly, in the latter case, there was absence of support from religion as it was not considered right in Christianity for women to speak in public at that time. As a result, women lacked a public life, a political life and they did not even have the right to hold property. However, two women, Sara Grimke and Agelina Grimke, in the beginning of 19th century, started publicly writing and discussing that the position of women in the society is not too different from that of slaves. Soon, many women showed the courage to join the movement and the issues of women were discussed in public albeit strong opposition from various segments of society. The movement received strong support from male abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, and Frederick Douglass. The first convention for women’s rights took place in 1848 in Seneca Falls. The declaration in the convention was that both men and women are equal and hence, women deserve equitable laws, equal educational and job opportunities, and the right to vote. The same year saw the passing of the Married Women’s Property Act in the New York State that was later amended in 1849 and by the beginning of the 20th century, all the states in the United States had legislation in the nature of the New York law passed in 1848. Though the Civil War resulted in an improvement in the position of slaves, there was no change in the position of women as they were not granted suffrage. The struggle for rights continued through various organizations like National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Women Suffrage Association. Though certain territories like Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho enfranchised women, for the remaining women, it remained distant dream. It was in 1920 that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granted the American women the right to vote. Evidently, the position of women changed in the society though with a lot of struggle. The change was almost complete covering all aspects of life including work, health, property and political rights. However, admittedly, it was a struggle that lasted more than a century. Reform and Alcohol The fight against alcohol was another vital aspect of the reform. For this too, the credit almost exclusively goes to the clergy. For the reformers, binge drinking was linked to poor social order, poor economic prosperity, a sin in religious light, and a force that destroys family life. Admittedly, the last point won the support of women too. So, history saw the initiation of American Temperance Society in 1826 and a number of other societies and movements by 1840s to stop drinking. Admittedly, the liquor consumption in the United States fell by half by 1840s and it never rose to the level before 1820s thereafter. If Americans today approve of moderate drinking instead of the binge drinking before 19th century, the roots of the change are to be found in the reform, though admittedly, this aim too fell short of expectations. Other Reforms Some other important points that deserve attention are the jail reforms, the punishment reforms and the rehabilitation of criminals, health reforms and birth control and so on. However, As Carson opines, “Although the American social movements provided a major impetus for the extension of civil rights to previously excluded groups”, the achievements through the reform were less as compared to the expectations of the reformists (Carson). Conclusion In total, the reform of 19th century cannot be considered as a failure as it achieved a lot in ensuring social representation to the previously ignored and tortured sections of society. Though it fell short of the explosive agenda, it was a success in all senses. Works Cited Beal, Frances M. Criminal justice racism verified in recent studies. San Francisco Bay View, (April 23, 2001). Clayborne Carson. Civil right reforms and the Black freedom struggle. 19-32. Web 24 Oct 2011 Taylor, Keeanga-Yamahtta. Civil rights and civil wrongs: Racism in America today. International Socialist Review, 32, (November-December 2003). Web 24 Oct 2011 Read More