Moral and societal reforms refer to efforts aimed at improving the ethical standards and social conditions within a society. During the Westward Expansion period, these reforms were often pursued through religious revivals.
Related terms
Second Great Awakening: A religious revival movement during the early 19th century that emphasized personal salvation, moral responsibility, and social reform.
Temperance Movement: A campaign against alcohol consumption that aimed to promote sobriety and reduce social problems associated with excessive drinking.
Abolitionist Movement: A movement dedicated to ending slavery in the United States by advocating for its immediate abolition.