Reform Movements in the United States Sought Essay Example for Free

Reform Movements in the United States Sought Essay As Americans entered an era of transition and instability, they sought to expand democratic ideals in the society. In response to sudden changes occurring and traditional values being challenged, various reform movements during 1825-1850 began to focus on democratic ideals. The rise of religious revivals, movements for equal rights and protecting liberties of different social groups, want to advance society technologically, and desire to bring order and control helped reform the society to live up to the nation’s founding ideals. Teaching them (I don’t get who â€Å"them† is) the habits of thrift, orderliness, temperance and industry was a way to not only better their lives but a way to instill certain democratic values and advance the perfection of society as a whole. The rise of popular religion and a series of religious revivals reinforced American democracy and liberty. The Second Great Awakening was a huge religious reform movement that sought to re-captivate religious interest in America. One of its new breakthroughs is its representation of democratic ideas, or: â€Å"a reworking of traditional religious institutions to better match the average American’s sensibilities and frontier lifestyles (Second Great Awakening). † In this attempt to capture interest, this new theology differed from the previous Calvinist viewpoint that people’s predestined path to heaven or hell could only be altered by God’s choosing, in that the new theology emphasized individual free will, and equality in God’s eyes- a characteristic of democracy. These new theologies emphasized: â€Å"human choice. Reform of the individual human heart and also broader social institutions was indeed possible (Second Great Awakening). † Church ministers were elected and churches believed in a â€Å"priesthood of all believers. † Such religious reforms sought to expand democratic ideals into the churches. The theology of the Second Great Awakening can be divided into many different subdivisions which all spread out and became part of many reform movements to come. Before examining such future movements, it must be noted that The Progress of the Age was also a reform movement that spread democratic ideals of around the same time frame as the Second Great Awakening. The Progress of the Age empowers all the new American technologies and social reforms in its time (around 1825-1846). New technological reforms included adapting the time conserving sewing machine, and harnessing the potential of the locomotive. Religion, politics, the economy, and virtually everything else in America was being influenced by echnological reforms, turning life in American as something Senator Webster describes: â€Å"The world has seen nothing like [it] before (A Discourse, Delivered at Plymouth 61). † The significance of all these technological advances lies in the inevitable social advances they initiated. The Progress of the Age focused on improving everyday life with the adaption of machine labor, allowing for: a large range of agricultural goods for the co mmon man, increasingly cheaper goods, less expensive books/newspapers, and faster travel. As these technological revolutions led to revolutions in habits, opinions, and moral values, people began to realize: â€Å"If machinery could be brought to such a state of perfection, why not society (Maier 369)? † With all the social ideas related to technological progress, none were associated with the Progression of the Age, as the expansions of democratic ideals were. With the new leaps in technological advances, people built the impression that: â€Å"No reform is now deemed impossible, no enterprise for human betterment impracticable (Maier 369). Of all the social ideas, the democratic ideas of striving for social equality, and benefitting the common good fit the technological age of progress best. Along with technological advancements, American literature was advancing too. New values such as favoring nature over â€Å"America’s turn towards industrial capitalism and worst of all, the crass, money-grubbing materialism that seemed to grip more and more of their countrymen (Maier 371),† as described in novels of James Fenimore Cooper, and Washington Irving were exposed to their readers. The Transcendentalist movement, founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson was populated by his essay Nature, as well as other works such as Henry David Thoreau’s Nature. The increasing quality and affordability of such books as well as newspapers, with new perspectives and philosophies printed by new machines, allowed the common people access to new knowledge. Society was now exposed to knowledge such as: philosophy, current events, and political information which brought up the level of education of the common man. Not only were books made cheaper and more available, an abundance of higher quality goods and services such as better foods, clothes, and a better transportation system now became available to the society. As Horace Greenley of the New York Tribune accounts: â€Å"We have universalized all the beautiful and glorious results of industry and skill†¦ We have made them a common possession of the people†¦. We have democratized the means and appliances of a higher life (Art and Industry 58). Greenley is saying that the Progress of the Age has brought high quality goods previously only for aristocrats down to the common people, raising the living standard of the common people: a true democratic value. Out of all these technological breakthroughs, the railroad became the symbol of the Progress of the Age and the expansion of democratic ideals. Even artists of the Hudson River School such as Thomas Cole recognized the locomotive in their paintings. In River in the Catskills, Thomas Cole blends the locomotive with nature, suggesting a natural harmony between them as Americans civilized the new lands. The locomotive became a symbol of the drive of civilization, spreading it and America’s democracy to new, unseen horizons. These unseen horizons were discovered through the reforms in the Antebellum Era, whose roots were mainly evangelical – religion tied into the belief that equality and salvation should be offered to everyone. This brought back tensions between the North and South when slavery became an issue with those ideals, which made the acted reforms not just a movement towards equality, but towards democracy as well. One of the most important reform movements in American history was the creation of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. The Declaration of Sentiments was established and those who wished to join the society had to sign the document which pledged to â€Å"secure to the colored population†¦all the rights and privileges that belong to them as men and as Americans. † This reform was different than most, because the people involved decided to use the old tactic of â€Å"moral suasion† instead of violence. These society members campaigned across the U. S. especially aiming to influence the South. They published abolitionist newspapers and other literature to raise awareness, attempted to make antislavery societies in every state and every town, and eventually brought so many petitions to Congress that although the â€Å"Gag Resolution† tabled them, the awareness it raised about slavery occurred everywhere. Not only was this the effect of the society, but it also showed Americans that all people could make a difference if joined together, not just the government, which expanded ideas of democracy. William Lloyd Garrison, among other strong abolitionists, acted as a leader in the fight for all-around equality in the United States. He dedicated his life to slavery abolition, publishing the newspaper, The Liberator and writing in it, â€Å"On this subject, I do not wish to think, to speak, or write, with moderation†¦I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – and I will be heard. † Not only did his words anger people enough to cause the bloody slave revolt in Virginia led by Nat Turner, but it also made abolitionists of others as well. His words inspired Frederick Douglass to publish his newspaper, North Star, at Rochester. They inspired Theodore Dwight Weld to declare an end to slavery and leave the Lane Seminary and their white society with 75 others by his side, naming themselves the â€Å"Lane Rebels. † He spent the rest of his life being a devoted member of the Ohio Antislavery Society and giving speeches throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania, encouraging the establishment of other antislavery societies. Abolitionists for women’s rights like Henry B. Stanton who was also a â€Å"Lane Rebel†, and his wife, Elizabeth Cady Stanton were also strong leaders, as well as the Grimke sisters in taking on the roles normally given to men. These powerful reformers were able to influence the population to join them in reforms, creating the sense that they could all make a difference together, and reform the republic government to a democratic one instead. With the idea of equality comes the idea of democracy, so when reform movements for slavery abolition and women’s rights began, so did the widespread belief of a new democratic government.

We Must Reduce Class Sizes and Improve Teaching Methods Essay -- Class

County High school's current purpose of education is to prepare students with the knowledge they need to be ready for the workforce. To fulfill their purpose they place a minimum of 30 students, if not more, in each class with only one teacher. I, as a junior at County High school, believe that to improve the education for the long term benefit of students the number of classes should be reduced and the customary teaching methods should be improved. Class sizes are too large and need to be reduced. For example, currently, there are 36 students enrolled in my English class, including myself. I have no problem of any kind with the other students. My problem is that there are so many students in that class that as a result, only some get feedback from the teacher. It is unfair that the teacher only has time to talk to some. If the class sizes are reduced the teacher will have the opportunity to talk one on one with the students, helping them overcome their academic struggles. In a class of 40, not all students are sentient of what the teacher is teaching them. Some sit in the back of the classroom like brainless zombies and waste their time day dreaming or doing something else. It is not obvious whether each student participates or not. There are so many that students hardly engage with the class. But in a class of 20, it is obvious if a student does not participate. Students are forced to be sentient and engage in what’s going on. In both classes there are students who are conscious. The only major difference is that in a smaller class all students are conscious rather than only some. If the classes are reduced each student will get an equal opportunity to engage in the education that will get them into the workforce. Jam... ...le of the Cave." Republic. (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1974.) pg.240-48. Print. James Baldwin, â€Å"A Talk To Teachers,† in The Language of Composition, edited by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, Robin Dissin Aufses. (Boston, MA: Bedford/ St. Martins, 2008) pg.123-129. James Baldwin, â€Å"A Talk To Teachers,† in The Language of Composition, edited by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, Robin Dissin Aufses. (Boston, MA: Bedford/ St.Martins, 2008) pg.123-129. IBID Horace Mann, â€Å" A Report of the Massachusetts Board of Education,† in The Language of Composition, edited by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, Robin Dissin Aufses. (Boston, MA: Bedford/ St. Martins, 2008) pg. 150-152. Ralph Waldo Emerson, â€Å"Education,† in The Language of Composition, edited by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, Robin Dissin Aufses. (Boston, MA: Bedford/ St. Martins, 2008) pg. 103-108.

Legislative Requirements of Teaching in Your Specialist Area Essay

Working as a Financial Capability tutor my personal and work values are led by the ethos for Citizens Advice Bureau, my employer; here we value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination; our aims and principles set out to both provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. There are many legislative requirements (laws), and codes of practice (directives and professional ethics) that need to be considered in a learning environment. My organisation has its own policies and proceedures that are applicable to the particular environment; these underpin the legislation to act according to the law as defined in an Act of Parliament and usually enforceable through the courts. My interpretation of ones that will effect me as a teacher are given here. The Health and Safely at Work Act (1974) Everyone has a responsibility for their own safety at work and also a duty to protect the safety and welfare of others, this effects every single organisation. Even if the learners are adults there are still rules and regulations that must be adhered to; As a teacher I need to be fully aware of these rules and ensure that any learners I teach are too. I should always make the class aware of the nearest fire exists and advise of who the fist-aiders are within the building. I must always follow best practise and to lead by example. Risk Assessments are also the responsibility of the teacher in order to establish practices that minimise risk and record any high risk activities. I need to analyse any potential risks when instructing activities within the class. It is my responsibility to assess any risk levels prior to commencement of any tasks in order to minimise the risks. If there are any accidents or incidents, I must also keep a record of these. There are then the legislations that are drawn from the Human Rights Act 2000. Disability Discrimination Act (1995 and 2005) Equality Act 2010 Teachers must respect these laws have been passed to ensure that no one is discriminated against irrespective of any disability (physical or mental) they may have or their gender, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or marital status/domestic circumstances. For the teacher this means ensuring language, handouts and other learning materials are free from bias; and that inappropriate comments are challenged within the classroom. The environment and all support structures should enable access and include facilities to meet all learners’ needs. . I must ensure that any activities I set are suitable for all learners to participate and must not make any learner feel excluded by their disability. Also when advertising courses and delivering learning, a teacher should not stereotype or in any way disadvantage a group of learners. I would also be using Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults training when working with my students. Data Protection Act 1998 The DPA requires any organisation that holds sensitive data on anyone for over two months to register as data users. As a teacher, I need to be cautious of how I store my learners personal or sensitive information. I should never share someone’s personal or sensitive information with any other person. Freedom of information act 2000 As an amendment to the Data Protection act the freedom of information act makes provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities or by persons providing services for them. I should be aware of what my students can request to see when I hold information on them. There are also three other pieces that I would consider in my role The Further Education and Training act 2007, for its requirements on the LSC and on further education institutions to have regard to guidance in relation to consultation with learners, potential learners and employers. And the codes of practice issued by; NIACE regarding Safer Practice and Safer Learning; these help the student to focus on their rights and responsibilities when participating in the lifelong learning sector. They address issues such as harm, abuse and personal safety when taking part in any kind of learning, outlining things that could be wrong, and giving students contact details if they feel that they need to report any wrong doing, without needing access to the teacher. Also the Institute for Learning Code of Practice for Teachers 2008 Code of Professional Practice, which seeks to protect learners and the public interest and will apply to all members of the Institute for Learning . The codes purpose is to promote, value and develop the professionalism of all learning and skills practitioners. The Code outlines the behaviours expected of members – for the benefit of learners, employers, the profession and the wider community. The code lists seven behaviours for members to uphold; Professional Integrity, Respect, Reasonable Care, Professional Practice, Criminal Offence Disclosure, Responsibility during Institute Investigations, Responsibility to the Institute. These will all have an affect on what happens both in and out of my classroom and must be at the forefront of every lesson and lesson plan for a teacher. They will be used in tutor/student contracting and in appeals and complaints policies, and so it is important that I keep up to date with these legislations and codes of practice and part of my responsibility is to make sure that they are being adhered to and that I know what procedure to follow if this is not the case.

Mary Tudor s Bloody Mary - 1412 Words

â€Å"Mary Mary quite contrary. How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells. And pretty maids all in a row.† This is a nursery that is believed to be associated with Mary Tudor, most commonly known as â€Å"Bloody Mary†. Sounds like an innocent nursey rhyme, right? But really, according to Gillies, the garden in the nursery rhyme is a reference to graveyards which were increasing in size, with those who dared to continue to follow the Protestant faith. The silver bells and cockleshells were said to be used as torture devices and the pretty maids mentioned in the nursery rhyme were in rows for guillotines. There are stories out there that dig deeper into the nursey rhyme and tell about the history and background of this nursery rhyme. Mary â€Å"Bloody Mary† Tudor failed her duties as queen, due to the forces- some of which were not in her control- effecting her life. Mary Tudor, according to Hope, has been known as a catholic dictator who kille d nearly three hundred Protestants, all including men, women, and even children, during her short reign that lasted five years. Jessica Hope states that historians tried to re-evaluate Mary’s reputation and they have argued that Mary deserves more appreciation for her work than previously thought. This shows that Mary Tudor was not a bad person, but she did good things throughout her lifetime. Mary Tudor was born February 18, 1516 in a palace- Palace of Placentia- located in Greenwich, England. Mary was born to King Henry VIIIShow MoreRelatedQueen Mary Of A Bloody Mary Essay1503 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Salter Mrs. Lusk Parrish English 11 Accelerated 11 March 2016 Queen Bloody Mary Did you know that the legend of Bloody Mary is real and originated with Queen Mary I of England, the source of over 300 deaths? Over 400 years ago, Queen Mary Tudor ruled in England from 1553, until her death in 1558. 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