"A volume that investigates an aspect of social and intellectual history as substantial as it is under-researched, Ideas, Ideologies, and Social Movements uncovers the role of ideas and ideologies in some of the most important social movements in United States history. Thirteen leading historians and sociologists provide in-depth accounts of individual movements - from political democratization, evangelism, feminism, and abolitionism to the support of animal rights, rights for the elderly, children's rights, and civil rights. In doing so, the contributors evaluate the importance of both ideas and a variety of cultural expressions in uniting, energizing, and inspiring individuals; analyze the effectiveness of each movement in translating ideology into actions; and shed new light on similarities and differences among such movements."--BOOK JACKET.