Amana Society

Amana Society. The Amana Society was a commune established by German Pietists in the early 18th century, influenced by the teachings of Jakob Boehme and Emanuel Swedenborg. The society was founded by Eberhard Ludwig Gruber and Johann Friedrich Rock in 1714, and its early history was marked by persecution in Germany and later in New York. The Amana Society is known for its unique blend of Christianity, socialism, and self-sufficiency, which was shaped by the ideas of Charles Fourier and Robert Owen.

● History

The Amana Society has its roots in the Pietist movement of 17th-century Germany, which emphasized spirituality, community, and social justice. The society's early leaders, including Gruber and Rock, were influenced by the writings of Jakob Boehme and Emanuel Swedenborg, and they sought to create a community that embodied the principles of Christian communism. In 1842, the society moved to New York, where they established a community in Ebenezer, New York, near Buffalo, New York. However, due to economic difficulties and conflict with the Oneida Community and the Shaker community, the society decided to relocate to Iowa in 1856, where they established the Amana Colonies.

● Organization

The Amana Society was organized as a communal society, with all members contributing their skills and labor to the community. The society was led by a group of elders, who made decisions for the community and oversaw its daily operations. The society was also divided into several villages, each with its own church, school, and community center. The Amana Society was influenced by the organizational structures of the Hutterite and Mennonite communities, and it also drew inspiration from the ideas of Charles Fourier and his concept of the phalanx. The society's organization was also shaped by its relationships with other utopian communities, including the Brook Farm community and the New Harmony community.

● Economy

The Amana Society was a self-sufficient community, with its own farms, factories, and businesses. The society's economy was based on the principles of mutual aid and cooperation, with all members contributing to the community's economic well-being. The society's main industries included agriculture, textiles, and furniture-making, and it also operated a number of retail stores and restaurants. The Amana Society's economy was influenced by the ideas of Robert Owen and his concept of the cooperative movement, and it also drew inspiration from the Rochdale Principles and the cooperative economics of the International Co-operative Alliance. The society's economic relationships with other communities, including the Oneida Limited company and the Shaker community, also played an important role in shaping its economy.

● Culture

The Amana Society had a unique and vibrant culture, which was shaped by its German heritage and its Pietist roots. The society's culture was characterized by a strong emphasis on community, mutual aid, and social justice, and it also placed a high value on education, arts, and craftsmanship. The society's cultural practices were influenced by the traditions of the Hutterite and Mennonite communities, and it also drew inspiration from the ideas of Emanuel Swedenborg and his concept of the heavenly city. The Amana Society's culture was also shaped by its relationships with other utopian communities, including the Brook Farm community and the New Harmony community, and it played an important role in the development of the American counterculture of the 1960s.

● Communities

The Amana Society established a number of communities in Iowa, including Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, and Homestead. Each of these communities had its own unique character and culture, but they all shared a common commitment to the principles of communalism and self-sufficiency. The Amana Society's communities were influenced by the designs of Frederick Law Olmsted and his concept of the garden city, and they also drew inspiration from the ideas of Ebenezer Howard and his concept of the garden suburb. The society's communities were also shaped by their relationships with other utopian communities, including the Oneida Community and the Shaker community, and they played an important role in the development of the American cooperative movement. Today, the Amana Colonies are a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in history, culture, and alternative lifestyles. The Amana Society's legacy can also be seen in the work of intentional communities such as Twin Oaks and Zapatista Cooperatives, which continue to inspire and educate people about the possibilities of communal living and social change.