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Utopian Communities Movement

Definition

The Utopian Communities Movement was a series of social experiments that took place in the United States during the 19th century. These communities were established by idealistic reformers who sought to create perfect societies, free from the problems they saw in mainstream society.

Analogy

Think of these communities as experimental labs for societal structures. Just like scientists mix different chemicals to see what reaction they get, these reformers tried mixing different social norms and structures to see if they could create a better society.

Related terms

Oneida Community: The Oneida Community was a religious commune founded by John Humphrey Noyes in 1848 in Oneida, New York. It practiced "Perfectionism," a form of Christianity with distinctive views on sin and salvation.

Amana Colonies: The Amana Colonies were seven villages in Iowa, established by German Pietists during the mid-19th century. They lived a communal lifestyle with strict religious observance and self-sufficiency.

Shaker Communities: Religious sects that established numerous communities throughout the Northeastern and Midwestern United States during the early-to-mid 19th century. Known for their simple living, architecture, technological innovation, and furniture.