second great awakening democratic religion?. revival of interest in relig revival of interest in...

Second Great Awakening

Democratic Religion?

Revival of interest in religFocus on Bible, need all to read, interpretPossibly because of social anxiety (econ,

urban, women, etc.)

At same time as . . .

Spread of universal white male suffrageGrowth of educational opportunities, esp.

lyceumsHoopla for “common man”Tech change made material culture

cheaperBelieved tech could solve probsBelief 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

Thomas Cole, The Oxbow

Edwin ChurchNatural Bridge,Virginia

“Why, I can be saved!”

Individ responsible for salvation, so no predestination

Emotional response; reject rationalismActive! Revivalist! Intense!“Fanatical and almost wild spiritualism”Camp meeting in absence of churches

Missionary aspects

Individual can changeSociety can changeGrowth of sects, denominationsFaith + good works = salvationVolunteer workU.S. is “called nation”At least 80 communal experiments active

in 1840s

How fit with rest of chapter?

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