In early 19th century America, the Second Great Awakening was not only a powerful and radical religious movement but also a vehicle by which women could strengthen their role in religion and ultimately society. With a shift from a predominantly agricultural to industrial society, the birth of the middle-class family came about in the United States. With this came newfound wealth. Families "used their greater earnings to purchase ready made goods." With a change in the wealth pattern of an average family came about a change in the view of home economics as well. The view of a "strict hierarchy" was diminished and in turn many young women "were reluctant to marry" with the introduction of romance into the ideal marriage. It should not than be a surprise that women in this time were on the verge of creating major reform in the country. It was a religious revival with its origins naturally in the church. It is worth noting that women had "long constituted the majority of worshippers in most churches" and thus were considered in the preparation of sermons, church policies, and administration of church funds. Their strong presence brought about the common theme of the church's responsibility "in improving the social position of women." The church not only gave women a status "resembling an equal standing with men" but an opportunity to seek solace from not just the church but other women. Women were able foster friendships with other women and make a "claim to assistance" that would have otherwise been impossible to create. Women's improved status through church with the aid of the ministers they supported enabled them to pave the way for a new and more powerful reformation that would grow outside of church. Since women still held no political power and were not free to vote or own property their motherly virtuous pursuits were all they had to the...