While cults have been part of American culture throughout the country’s history, most have emerged during periods of social turmoil. In the early 19th century, America experienced an incredible increase in number of both religious and secular cults although most of them quickly faded away. In The Kingdom of Matthias: A Story of Sex and Salvation in the 19th Century America, historians Sean Wilentz and Paul Johnson look at the emergence and activities of a notorious cult that operated in and around New York City. Led by Robert Matthias, the cult briefly flourished during the early 1830s by riding on the wave of social and religious unrest experienced at the time. In view of this, the current paper focuses on Robert Matthias’ story as a historical figure and how it sheds light on the rise of market society and its impact on family life. Specifically, the paper will look at how the rise of market society in the early 19th century America posed adverse effects to the family and eventually necessitated redefinition of men’s role.
The rise of market society in the early 19th century displaced many American men who had to leave their farms and villages and move to cities in search of jobs. The sudden relocation of men meant that most of them, especially the illiterate, had to scramble for the few available jobs in cities and other urban centers. As a result, the status of many men in their families and the patriarchal system that had up to that time shaped the American society came under threat. As portrayed in the story of Matthias, the inability of men to provide for their families at times led to domestic violence and family break-ups. This assertion is supported by the fact that Matthias subjected his wife to years of physical abuse which eventually led to break-up in their marriage. Considering that Matthias’ violence towards his wife was largely due to frustration resulting from failure to support his family, it could be argued the rise of market economy in the early 19th century had adverse effects on family stability at the time.
Matthias’ challenges and his response to them allow us to see a complicated historical process in which the American family life was adversely affected. Realizing their dwindling influence on their families, many men embraced change and took upon themselves to find new ways of generating income. While this significantly increased crime rates in most cities, it can be credited as the basis on which capitalism spread throughout America. Based on this supposition, Matthias’ kingdom could be described as a reactionary response to social and economic changes that threatened the position and role of men in family life.
Conclusively, the Matthias’ story can be described to reflect the plight of men during the rise of market economy and the subsequent implications on family life. While spread of capitalism promoted innovation and creativity, lack of enough economic opportunities led to family break-ups as many men found it particularly difficult to support their families.
Bibliography
Johnson, Paul E., and Sean Wilentz. The Kingdom of Matthias: A Story of Sex and Salvation in the 19th Century America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2012.
