Transcendentalism Dbq

Throughout history, nature often served as an escape, as well as a point of intrigue, from reality to focus on what truly mattered in life. For the transcendentalists, the importance of nature itself was central to their movement. Furthermore, nonconformity, self reliance, free thought, confidence, and the importance of nature were also central to transcendentalists goals and desires. With the changing appearence of America due to the Industrial Revolution, transcendentalists, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, encouraged people to turn back to nature, despite America increasingly turning away from it. Furthermore, instead of simply talking about the importance of nature and appreciating its beauty, some transcendentalists (such as Henry David Thoreau)

He would rather retreat behind the curtain of nature. (Walden Pond 893-894)

My Point: Thoreau contrasts the excess produced in the Industrial Revolution with the minimalism he lives under in Walden.

Quote: “No longer was America a nation of farmers; it was instead a nation of industry, of mills, factories, and stockholders.” (“Transcendentalism” 850)

My Point: A central theme of the Industrial Revolution was conformity. For example, those who conformed by moving to cities to glean factory jobs therefore became part of the “machine” of society, which transcendentalists vehemently opposed.

My Point: By the “machine” of society, I mean society as something that ruthlessly works in order to produce something without taking emotions into account.

Quote: “Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things.” (Walden Pond 885)

My Point: Emerson explains that the inventions of the Industrial Revolution are nothing more than a distraction and that nature should be our main focus as a serious and exceedingly important thing.

The impact of America expanding its territory on

(“Civil Disobedience” 843)

My Point: Known as the era of the “common man”, the 1820s and 1830s in America experienced an increasing number of new laws benefiting the common man, including the elimination of property requirements in many states to vote. The rise of the common man resulted in a further lack of individuality, which transcendentalists did not support. Therefore, since the government assisted in the creation of the common man, transcendentalists did not support the government because it encouraged a lack of individuality as well as conformity.

Quote: “These people must cease to hold slaves, and to make war on Mexico, though it cost them their existence in people.” (Civil Disobedience” 846)

Summary: Thoreau argues that the northerners and southerners rely on each other for successful commerce and agriculture, which are more important to them than humanity. This commerce and agriculture are more important to the men than justice for men and the end of the war with Mexico. (“Civil Disobedience”