reform of thinking

TRANSCENDENTALISM*Among the transcendentalists' core beliefs was the inherent goodness of both people and

nature.

*Transcendentalists believed that society and its institutions—particularly organized religion and political parties—ultimately corrupted the purity of the individual.

*They had faith that people are at their best when truly "self-reliant" and independent. It is only from such real individuals that true community could be formed.

*The major leaders in the movement were Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Margaret Fuller and Amos Bronson Alcott

Reform of Thinking

People like Gandhi and Martin Luther King followed this form of thinking which allowed for Civil Disobedience.

"Civil Disobedience" is an analysis of the individual’s relationship to the state that focuses on why men obey governmental law even when they believe it to be unjust.

Thoreau detested slavery and because tax revenues contributed to the support of it, Thoreau decided to become a tax rebel. Thoreau declined to pay the tax and so, in July 1846, he was arrested and jailed. Without his knowledge or consent, however, relatives settled the “debt” and a disgruntled Thoreau was released after only one night. The incarceration may have been brief but it has had enduring effects through "Civil Disobedience."

TRANSCENDENTALISM

Religion continues to play an important role in Western Expansion. In the early 1700’s: The First Great Awakening occurred bringing the idea that God loves everyone

In the 1820’s-1830’s: The Second Great Awakening occurs, prompting the idea of social reform (ending slavery b/c it is anti-Christian)

Music, Art, and Literature reflect the ideas growing in society.

Reform of Thinking

John J. Audubon drew birds, mammals, plants and other nature items.

Birds of America, gave life size portraits of birds

Discovered many new species of birds and mammals.

Discovered behavior of birds and their anatomy,

Ivory-billed Woodpecke

r

by John J. Audubon

Wild Turkey1822

Founded the Audubon Society

1825 Hudson River SchoolThomas Cole

Nature is the center of focusInterprets themes of discovery & ExplorationLandscapes encourages western expansion

Hudson River

School artists