Benevolent Empire

The Benevolent Empire was part of a 19th-century religious movement in the United States. Various protestant denominations developed missionary organizations in order to Christianize citizens of the United States and the world, and to create a Christian nation. The movement included a commitment to social reform by wealthy and middle-class urbanites.

The Benevolent Empire movement began in the early 19th century. Growing out of Revivalism, the movement consisted of missionaries and organizations devoted to Christianizing America and the world, and wealthy Americans who felt that their duty was to do good deeds for the less fortunate. Revivalism in America stimulated church growth and created two influential concepts: "Disinterested benevolence" and "Perfectionism". The main idea of the Benevolent Empire was to "Reform the world by example, you act generously and wisely". Participants in benevolent societies believed in spreading the word of Christianity for the greater good of the world. They were not working to convert every person they preached to; they simply wished to share the benefits of Christianity and the good word and fortune the religion could bring.

Protests beginning in the 19th century were formed around a cause with a sole purpose and collective action. The movements for abolition of slavery and temperance were common in the 19th century. The protest was non-violent and they all had purpose, which was shown by everyone who joined. With a helpful push from religion movements these two reforms took off and many organizations were formed to contest them. Americans pledged their partnership with reform societies and religious organizations. They expected religious efforts to repent Americans abuse of alcohol and use of slavery. The reform movements opposed sin and wanted to be reformed as a nation in whole, they believed if they were not repent and reformed their sins would bring celestial revenge.

Americans were concerned with the way their lives were assumed to go if slavery and alcohol abuse continued to grow. Anti-war movements were formed during the Mexican-American War, because people feared that southern Democrats were fighting for the expansion of slavery for their growing need of land. These social reforms were not addressed by the state or national levels they were simply protested by the citizens who believed they could live in a more harmonious and peaceful place. Eight organizations in the “nineteenth century was concerned with moral commitments, community and identity.” Eight women began to take on a large role in these institutions. The movements were a collective effort of the people to create an impact nationally on temperance and anti-slavery.

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