Between 1820 and 1860 there was rapid expansion and great arguments about the morality and validity of slavery. The Second Great Awakening filled a greater Protestant religion into American society and culture. It was the religious people's responsibility to improve the morality of American society to achieve God's mission. Americans were successful at imposing reforms on society in the form of abolitionism, women's rights, and the reform of certain forms of moral vice, such as prostitution and alcoholism. However, and sadly, no reforms were entirely successful. I think that some parallels exist today because of the moral reform movement to stop violence and sexual behavior in the media, and Anti-Abortion believers who argue for an increase in human morality to meet the expectations of the Christian moral tradition.
Between 1800 and 1860, religious people began to see social reform as inevitably related to Christianity. They began to see social movements as connected to the most vulnerable people, and thus as being a type of charity and "good action." This new way of thinking led many religous people to become involved in social and political movements. They were also motivated by the possibility of creating a new world order that was more closely aligned with Christian principles.
These groups were succesful to some extent. The abolitionist movement obtained an absolute victory after the Civil War. Movements that attempted to alleviate poverty or help groups such as orphans and widows also gained traction and support.
I think there are very few parallels with social movements today. While there are a lot of social movements nowadays, religious people are rarely a driving force in these. Moreover, when Christians become involved in a social movement, it is usually because it presents a direct question or threat to their personal beliefs.
