How did people in the early to mid-1800s try to reform American society?

There
were so many reform movements, including religious and social movements, in this era that the
early nineteenth century is often called the Age of Reform in American society. Two notable, and
often intersecting, aspects of these movements were the promotion of religion and the
condemnation of specific social problems, such as drinking alcohol and the injustice of
slavery.

One religious movement that gained considerable traction was the
Second Great Awakening (1830s), which featured the teachings of Charles Grandison Finney. Finney
traveled around speaking at revival meetings, advocating the need for a return to devotion.
These meetings included public demonstrations of Christian service based in the genuine desire
to live a pious life and reject temptation, following the doctrine of perfectionism.

Finney was a supporter of abolitionism. Among the other white ministers who supported
the cause was Lyman Beecher, a Presbyterian who founded a temperance society and staunchly
advocated against alcohol. One of his children was Harriet Beecher Stowe, the famed author of
Uncle Toms Cabin.

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