Final answer:
Slavery in America between 1820 and 1840 is most opposite to John Winthrop's ideal because it created a system of inequality and oppression in stark contrast to his vision of a 'city upon a hill' with moral righteousness and mutual support. Option C is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In analyzing the aspect of American society between 1820 and 1840 that is most opposite to the ideal expressed by John Winthrop, we look at options that reflect the social and moral fabric of the time. Winthrop's ideal was a "city upon a hill," a community exemplifying moral righteousness and charity. In contrast, slavery stands out as the most antithetical to these ideals. Slavery was a system of forced labor and social control that denied the basic human rights and dignity of enslaved people, completely at odds with a society striving towards moral excellence and mutual support.
The Temperance Movement, while seeking to reform society, does not represent opposition to Winthrop's ideals as clearly. It aimed to reduce alcohol consumption, purportedly to improve societal morals and protect family units. The Common Schools movement worked towards providing basic education to all children, which can be seen as a positive step towards equal opportunity, aligning with moral community goals.
The Oneida Community and Brook Farm both sought to create utopian societies focused on communal living and egalitarian principles, which could be viewed more positively in light of Winthrop's vision of a cohesive, idealistic community. Thus, the existence and perpetuation of slavery starkly contrasts the ideals of a just and moral society envisioned by Winthrop.