A New Nation

The newly independent United States of America enjoyed great prosperity and expansion in the early nineteenth century. An invigorating democratic spirit influenced all aspects of society.

Responsibility for governing was now in the hands of the people. The nation's elite saw a need to educate, improve, and uplift the people to best prepare them for this new challenge. The creation of societies for civic improvement was widespread and social movements like temperance and abolition got their start.

A similar spirit of optimism and hope was alive in the Church. A movement called "The Great Awakening," begun in the 1700's, had challenged the deterministic view of the Puritans. Emphasizing spiritual rebirth and salvation, this view held more hope for the underclass.

Monarchy had relied on rigid class distinctions that allowed no upward mobility. Religion had reinforced acceptance of a permanent impoverished class. With its space and abundant resources, egalitarian philosophy, and a renewed religious vigor, America enthusiastically tackled social ills.