How did reform movements from 1815 to 1850 change America? Essay

Reform movements from 1815 to 1850 tried to change America. Women’s rights movements, education movements, and thoughts of abolition were main inspirations. Women’s rights movements were becoming more common. More women than ever were coming together to protest. The Seneca Falls Convention was the first organized women’s rights movement. When women went to other conventions they were excluded, this convention was about women and for women. These conventions would eventually persuade congress to pass a law allowing women to vote in the 1900’s. Education movements were also a common thing among minorities. Young Americans in general along with women, African-Americans, and disabled people wanted the educational system improved. A common school movement was started to improve the quality of public schools and help prepare students for success. African Americans wanted schools to allow them in and to supply an education equal to that of young white males. Before the 1820’s women could not obtain a worthwhile education. Catherine Beecher helped the campaign for women’s education. Disabled people were not educated either. Samuel Howe improved the school system by developing methods for teaching the visually impaired. Among other impairments this was the most important to people of this time. After these movements the quality of education was not just a dream. Education changed dramatically during this period, the system went form only white males able to obtain an education to practically any person being able to. Abolition was probably the most important movement of this time. Slavery was becoming a great issue in the government and among commoners. Many of the abolitionists supported the idea of freeing the slaves but not the equality of the African American man. The fight for the outlawing of slavery became so great that the Underground Railroad and other escapes were created. Slavery was eventually outlawed by congress because fights were breaking out. Today most Americans look back and do not understand how this was even an issue. America has become a country against slavery because of the proceedings of this time era’s fight for abolition. These three movements, women’s rights, education, and abolition, were the most important influences on America today. They did not only try to change America but they succeeded. Women have equal rights with men, education is open to any being white, African American, or disabled, and slavery is outlawed.