Chapter 15: An Era of Reform - 1820-1860
Unit Theme: Expansion
During the period from 1820 to 1860, from the Missouri Compromise to the eve of the Civil War, the United States grew in several ways. The most dramatic was in territorial expansion. By 1860, the United States stretched from sea to sea, from the Atlantic in the east, to the Pacific in the west. Added to the United States were California and Oregon in the west, and territories such as New Mexico and Arizona in the southwest. The area between the Mississippi River and California was also filling in with Americans determined to carve out a future on the Great Plains. Along with this growth in territory came an expansion of industrial might. By 1860, the United States, led by the northern urban centers, was among the industrial powers of the world, poised to become the world’s economic powerhouse after the Civil War.
During the period from 1820 to 1860, from the Missouri Compromise to the eve of the Civil War, the United States grew in several ways. The most dramatic was in territorial expansion. By 1860, the United States stretched from sea to sea, from the Atlantic in the east, to the Pacific in the west. Added to the United States were California and Oregon in the west, and territories such as New Mexico and Arizona in the southwest. The area between the Mississippi River and California was also filling in with Americans determined to carve out a future on the Great Plains. Along with this growth in territory came an expansion of industrial might. By 1860, the United States, led by the northern urban centers, was among the industrial powers of the world, poised to become the world’s economic powerhouse after the Civil War.
Essential Questions:
Chapter Overview:
Social reform is an organized attempt to improve what is unjust or unfair in society. The mid-1800s saw the launching of a number of reform movements in America - the most notable of course being the movement to abolish slavery. The roots of reform can be found both in political and religious writings and teachings. this chapter will give an overview of the movements such as temperance, the women's movement, reform in prisons and care for the mentally ill, and the growth of free, tax-payer-supported, public education. The chapter ends with the development of a unique American perspective in the culture of literature and art. As such, this chapter focuses on many people, both men and women, who shaped the cultural development of america in the mid 19th century.
- Have reformers had a significant impact on the problems of American society?
- Were abolitionists responsible reformers or irresponsible agitators?
Chapter Overview:
Social reform is an organized attempt to improve what is unjust or unfair in society. The mid-1800s saw the launching of a number of reform movements in America - the most notable of course being the movement to abolish slavery. The roots of reform can be found both in political and religious writings and teachings. this chapter will give an overview of the movements such as temperance, the women's movement, reform in prisons and care for the mentally ill, and the growth of free, tax-payer-supported, public education. The chapter ends with the development of a unique American perspective in the culture of literature and art. As such, this chapter focuses on many people, both men and women, who shaped the cultural development of america in the mid 19th century.
Sections:
1) The Spirit of Reform (p. 398-402) 2) The Fight Against Slavery (p. 403-407) 3) Struggle for Women's Rights (p. 408-411) 4) American Literature and Art (p. 412-415) Resources: Chapter Self-Test Study Guides Study Guide - Honors Class Study Guide General Classes |
Section Reviews:
1) The Spirit of Reform 2) The Fight Against Slavery 3) Struggle for Women's Rights 4) American Literature and Art These reviews are often given in class and are open-ended and T/F questions that you should definitely learn. They cover some of the most important points of the section and are often the basis of matching and T/F questions on quizzes and tests. |
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