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Social Reform Term Paper

Economic Changes in the North and Social Reform Movements The years between 1820 and 1860, also known as the pre-Civil War years or the antebellum years, were the most chaotic in American History (Dudley 2003). During this time, significant changes took place in the United States. The nation saw a transformation from a largely undeveloped nation of farmers and frontiersmen into an urbanized and economic powerhouse. This essay will explore how these economic changes in the North are linked to the social reform movements of the time.

The North was completely transformed by the Market Revolution, that is, a shift from an agricultural-based economy to one based on wages and the exchange of goods and services (Dudley 2003). A contributing factor was a manufacturing boom in the North which was created by the invention of the cotton gin. Infrastructure began to improve along with modes of transportation, such as the steamboat and railroad, allowing goods and crops to flow easily and at a reasonable expense between the agricultural West and the manufacturing...

Around 1820, millions of people started moving to the cities, along with several other million Irish and German immigrants (Dudley 2003). These Northern cities became flooded with people looking for jobs in the new industrialized economy. Thus, the social fabric was transformed as a result of this migration and the introduction of the wage labour system, leading to America's first middle class.
This growing middle class, comprised mostly of white-collar workers and skilled labourers, led to the development of various social reform movements (Dudley 2003). These movements were focused on reducing the consumption of alcohol, eliminating prostitution, improving prisons and mental health institutions, improving education, gaining rights for women, and banning slavery.

Between 1820 and 1860, Northerners became increasingly opposed to slavery (Dudley 2003). The abolitionist movement was created to address this growing concern and was aimed at eradicating slavery…

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Dudley, William. American History by Era: Antebellum America 1784-1850. New York: Cengage Gale, 2003.
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