The prewar era between the years of 1825 to 1850 was filled with many reform movements that signified great changes within the nation's people. While many of these changes were positive and lasting reforms, the harsh views of extremists did the opposite and inhibited change. Fortunately, reform movements such as the women's rights movement, the abolition of slavery, and the temperance movement led the nation in the right direction toward expanding democratic ideals. These ideals embody the belief that all citizens are equal and entitled to certain inalienable rights. However, the framers of the Constitution had omitted women in that foundational declaration that left women denied these “inalienable” rights afforded to every fellow countryman. Winning the support of many, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, leader of the Women's Rights Movement, declared in Seneca Falls that women had the same rights as men, including the right to vote and serve in government. The women's rights movement has gained support due to the years of abuse women have suffered. For years, men had “the power to chastise and imprison their wives…” and were tired of suffering (Doc I). The new concept of the cult of domesticity supported the role of women in society, but created greater divisions between men and women. In these times, domestic violence was common and many blamed alcohol as the culprit. Reformers also noted that alcohol decreased work efficiency and considered alcohol a menace to society because it left men irresponsible and lacking self-control. A reformer, named Lyman Beecher, argued that the act of drinking alcohol was immoral and would destroy the nation. Document H describes the progression of becoming a drunkard from a common m...... middle of paper......s. While all of these reforms aimed to expand democratic ideals, some had unexpected and unintended effects. Morse wanted to protect democracy and the United States from infiltrators, but his paranoia influenced his unilateral vision of stopping immigration which is contrary to democratic ideals of promoting a safe haven for those seeking freedom from an aggressor. Then there were the transcendentalists whose aim was to create a perfect society. While well intentioned, it fundamentally goes against democratic ideals. The validity with which reform movements sought to expand democratic ideals is demonstrated by the domino effect of diverse movements such as equality brought by women's suffrage, temperance and the abolition of slavery which achieved similar goals and combined efforts to change society to improve our needs and requirements for life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.