After the American Revolution, the victory of which not only granted the United States its independence, but also opposed the mixing of politics and religion. This separation of religion and politics led to a series of religious revivals that swept the United States. Beginning in the 1790s and continuing through 1840, the Second Great Awakening brought about a wave of religious revivalism. Revival influenced individual and moral discovery and encouraged individuals to pursue knowledge of God. The religious revival movement attracted many women, African Americans, and Native Americans and led to many reform movements. Although often hampered by opposition and discrimination, the reforms between 1825 and 1855 nonetheless led substantially to an expansion of democratic ideals through political, cultural, and social improvements. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The reforms that accompanied the Second Great Awakening changed American culture as well as democratic ideals. Movements such as the physiological movement of Transcendentalism which opposed the spirituality of the time and taught individuals to be relevant and independent. Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, challenged existing religious and political systems, as the notion of opening the mind to new ideas greatly expanded democratic values. Cultural reforms also changed American religions, with the rapid spread of evangelical, Methodist, and Baptist religions that promoted ideas of human reasoning and free will. Political reforms have not sufficiently expanded democratic rights, particularly with the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackso increased the rights of “common men” by eliminating property requirements for voting. Although this gave more freedom to vote, certain social groups did not benefit from this freedom. This was a lack of expansion toward democratic ideals, as women, African Americans, and slaves were not given such rights and therefore did not have equality, liberty, or freedom. justice. Women's rights movements campaign for equality, particularly in politics. Women were neglected both socially and politically, they had no right to vote or hold political office and were not allowed to control their property. revival movements inspired women to question traditional roles and gatherings such as the Seneca Falls Convention. They sought the equality promised by the new democratic government. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay. Social improvements resulting from the Second Great Awakening significantly reflected democratic appeal. The impact on the temperance movement was strongly sustained during this period as organizations formed to limit or prohibit the conception or production of alcohol. Mainly supported by most women who campaigned against its danger and its negative effects on their families, it interrupted the democratic quest for happiness. Education reforms were also strongly supported, as citizens could not remain in ignorance. Reformers advocated that education should be paid for and maintained by the public and should be given equally to every child. The democratic ideal of equality has expanded considerably.