Reform Movements

19th Century Reform Movements

The decades before the Civil War saw the birth of the American reform tradition. Reformers--female and male, black and white--launched unprecedented campaigns to educate the deaf and the blind, rehabilitate criminals, extend equal rights to women, and abolish slavery. Our modern systems of free public schools, prisons, and hospitals for the infirm and the mentally ill are all legacies of this first generation of American reform.

Today, you will begin researching 19th century reform movements.  You should pick one topic of reform, then record what problems led to the reform, some of the major reform leaders of the topic you chose, and finally, the results of this reform movement.  In other words, what was accomplished?  If you are in class you will receive reading guides.  If not, click on the link below that gives a few suggestions for your research

Reform Movement assignment 

Journal Assignment:  Reform your world!

Everyday this week, change (for the better) at least one thing you have the power to change.  Record each day's reform in a journal to be turned in on Friday.  1 entry= 1point  Every entry after 5 will be extra credit.  You may earn up to 20 extra credit points on this assignment

Watch the Discovery Education video about Helen Keller below:

Helen Keller