Chapter 10 Notes APUSH

Counter Reactions to Change

• Societal changes always spark counter reactions.

• As society transitions away from traditional norms, there is a backlash aiming to preserve previous values.

• The Second Great Awakening embodies the desire to maintain foundational societal values, established before the formation of the United States.

The Second Great Awakening

• Emphasizes self-discipline and hard work, contributing to personal and community improvement.

• Discussion of communal responsibilities, emphasizing sharing and mutual support.

• Concerns regarding biases that can hinder societal progress, likening these to historical examples (e.g., Apple).

• Acknowledgment of perceived moral decline in America, particularly regarding church attendance and traditional values.

Intellectual Flourishing

• This period saw a surge in creativity and knowledge, notably in the arts, literature, and mathematics.

• Transcendentalism emerged as a philosophical response during this flourishing of knowledge.

Transcendentalism and Nature

• American writers began to redefine literature and art, exploring deeper interactions with their physical and spiritual surroundings.

• Nature is viewed as the original creation and a medium to connect with the divine.

• Emerson argues for a return to nature to rediscover God and universal truths.

Emerson and Civil Disobedience

• Emerson advocates for civil disobedience, emphasizing the right to express and challenge societal norms.

• He posits equality among men and women, criticizing societal constructs that perpetuate inequality.

• Calls for community engagement to find connections and create harmonious societal interactions.

Analysis of Society

• The narrative explores societal judgment and rigidity, highlighting flaws in moral behavior typical of the period.

• Focus on the harsh judgment faced by individuals, particularly in scenarios like adultery, revealing societal hypocrisy.

Critique of So-called Perfect Societies

• Exploration of utopian ideals, where communal living is promoted, echoing historical examples such as in the concept of communal ownership.

• Discusses the risks and realities of pursuing an 'ideal' society, citing the complexities involved.

• Examples of communal societies and their implications for individual ownership and freedom—such as Anne's vision of a revised divinity.

Conclusion

• The recognition that despite yearning for an ideal world, the actual consequences of these movements and the critique of nature's duality (beauty vs. danger) shape societal development.

• Awareness of resistance toward changes occurring during this transformative period in America.