The Age of Reform, from 1825 to 1850, was a major turning point for American society. The ideas and beliefs spread during reform movements greatly expanded democratic ideals. Reform movements in the United States sought to express ideas through religion and education, start movements through acts of abolition and temperance, expand beliefs by caring for the insane, and take a stand by defending personal rights. Different ideas were expressed through the Second Great Awakening. Religious attention was now turning to God's mercy and benevolence, which gave rise to other beliefs and ideas. People began to believe that they could control their own destiny. Worship services consisted of singing hymns and personal testimonies to make it more emotional. Many found religion a soft comfort during the hardships of this time period. Charles Finney was one of the most effective evangelists of the day. He entertained and edified, preached about conviction, repentance, and reform (DOC B). The belief that parents could contribute to the salvation of their children led women to want to educate their children spiritually. Spiritual education led to the belief that education was important. Schools were started to educate children while they were young. Many lower class families had to go to extreme lengths to send their children to school. There was a need for children to help with housework, but families understood that education was important and allowed their children to attend half a day or more of school (DOC E). Religion and education were becoming more and more known throughout society. America understood that they needed to apply higher principles to gain the benefits of the highest physical, intellectual and moral education to be a great… middle of paper… who were not just slaves; they were women, sisters, wives, and daughters, just like white women (DOC C). Women of this period strove to expand ideals by showing men that women would be involved in political affairs and that they had the right to do so. Citizens and leaders of reform movements realized that without action, these movements would be nothing (DOC G). Many of them have decided to come forward and defend their cause. Without these important American leaders, our nation would not have grown into the nation it is today. Through their determination and sacrifice, they made a huge difference in expanding American democratic ideals by laying the foundation for religion and education, movements through acts of abolition and temperance, expanding beliefs by caring for the insane, and taking a stand for personal rights..