Source: The Rev. Mr. George Whitefield A. M.

By the 19th century, reform movements were nothing new to Americans. The first of many reform movements impacted the religious life of the United States in the form of the Great Awakening (18th century) and the Second Great Awakening (19th century).

By 1860, reformers, those who wanted to see change for the better, went to work to improve American society. Abolitionists worked toward the end of slavery. Women called for equal rights. Other groups worked toward reforming issues pertaining to labor, alcoholism, life in prison, and public education.

In this lesson you will examine the reform movements of the 19th century in the United States. Click on each of the reform movements below to read more.