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