Rochester's Social Evolution: Revivals, Commerce, and Class Dynamics

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Paul E. Johnson's exploration in the book, "A Shopkeeper's Millennium," delves into the intricate fabric of Rochester's society during the transformative period from 1815 to 1837. By scrutinizing the Rochester Directory, church records, and various city documents, Johnson seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding the revivals that left an indelible mark on this community. His theories challenge prevailing beliefs, particularly those espoused by Tocqueville, contending that revivals were not merely a societal remedy for individualism. Johnson posits that these revivals were influenced by a myriad of factors, fundamentally altering the social landscape.

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Evolution of Rochester Pre-1815

Before 1815, Rochester existed as a dichotomy where "town and country were separate worlds" (16). However, the advent of the Erie Canal and advancements in inland transportation catalyzed a transformation, turning farmers into businessmen and instigating consequential societal shifts. The first notable change was the restructuring of the employer's household and their interaction with employees. As Rochester embraced capitalism, master craftsmen became more capitalistic themselves, prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production.

This shift led to a diminished concern for the welfare of employees and a growing emphasis on privacy, resulting in a separation of living quarters between employers and workers.

Devoid of direct supervision, workingmen congregated in their own neighborhoods, fostering a culture of heavy drinking. Consequently, a negative stigma attached itself to alcohol consumption, echoing the rising bourgeois sentiment that "the consumption of alcohol is the center of all problems" (46). This perception extended to those who served alcohol, exacerbating tensions between masters and wage-earners, reminiscent of the religious and cultural divisions among the elite.

The crux of the new problems lay in the master's discontent with the perceived unruliness of the working class and their inability to control this burgeoning predicament. As Johnson aptly notes, "the sober and moral part of the community no longer controlled what happened" (77). The expanding electorate empowered the lower classes, who began to vote and assume positions of influence. Consequently, persuasion supplanted force as the only viable tool for the elite to shape the societal fabric.

The Impact of Charles Finney's Arrival

The arrival of Charles Finney in Rochester ushered in significant changes, particularly in the social dynamics between the middle class and workingmen. Finney's evangelical salvation, deviating from the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, posited that "the only thing preventing individual conversion was the individual himself" (96). This perspective alleviated the burden on the middle class regarding the actions of the lower class. The popularity of revivals among the working class stemmed from the middle class's fervent desire to achieve the Millennium. Additionally, one's career prospects in Rochester became intricately tied to their conversion status, further dividing society between fervent believers and those who did not share this conviction.

Revivals as a Solution to Social Disorder

Essentially, revivals emerged as a remedy for social disorder and moral ambiguity within the context of a rapidly industrializing economy. The swift transition of Rochester into a manufacturing community inevitably led to disorder. Johnson, however, contends that these revivals demonstrated "free labor could generate a well-regulated, orderly, just, and a happy society."

In conclusion, "A Shopkeeper's Millennium" provides a nuanced understanding of the societal transformations in Rochester during the period from 1815 to 1837. Johnson's exploration of the Rochester Directory, church records, and city documents unravels the intricate tapestry of revivals and their multifaceted impact on the social fabric. The evolving dynamics between masters and workingmen, exacerbated by economic shifts, set the stage for the emergence of revivals as a solution to social disorder. Charles Finney's influence further heightened these tensions, reshaping the social landscape and crystallizing divisions based on religious fervor. Ultimately, Johnson's work sheds light on the intricate interplay of economic, social, and religious forces that shaped Rochester during this transformative period.