The Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept across the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by increased emotionalism in preaching and an emphasis on personal faith. This movement challenged traditional religious authority and fostered a new sense of spiritual independence, which significantly influenced various groups, including African Americans, as they sought personal relationships with God and participated in these revivals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening led to the establishment of new denominations and congregations, providing African Americans with spaces for worship and community organization.
2. Black preachers emerged as significant leaders during this period, advocating for spiritual freedom and often addressing social issues affecting their communities.
3. The movement encouraged African Americans to express their faith openly, leading to a stronger sense of identity and empowerment within religious contexts.
4. The Great Awakening emphasized personal salvation over predestination, making religion more accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, including enslaved people.
5. This revivalist movement laid the groundwork for future social movements, including abolitionism, by highlighting themes of equality and individual rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening challenge traditional religious authority in the American colonies?
  • The Great Awakening challenged traditional religious authority by promoting emotional preaching and individual spiritual experiences over established church doctrines. This movement encouraged people to seek personal relationships with God rather than rely solely on clergy interpretations. As a result, many individuals felt empowered to question existing religious hierarchies, leading to a fragmentation of established denominations and the rise of new religious groups.
• In what ways did the Great Awakening impact the African American community during the 18th century?
  • The Great Awakening had a profound impact on the African American community as it provided new opportunities for spiritual expression and leadership. Black preachers became influential figures within the movement, allowing enslaved individuals to assert their faith openly. The movement also fostered a sense of community among African Americans and contributed to their social consciousness, setting the stage for future activism against slavery and discrimination.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Great Awakening on American society, particularly regarding social movements that followed.
  • The long-term significance of the Great Awakening on American society is evident in its contribution to various social movements that emerged in its wake, particularly abolitionism and civil rights. By emphasizing themes of personal salvation and equality, the movement laid a moral foundation for advocating against slavery and racial discrimination. This shift in thought allowed individuals to connect their faith with social justice efforts, influencing later generations in their struggles for equality and human rights.

Related terms

Revivalism: A movement aimed at reawakening religious fervor among individuals and communities, often marked by large gatherings and emotional preaching.

Methodism: A denomination that emerged during the Great Awakening, emphasizing personal faith, social justice, and communal worship practices.

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening known for his fiery sermons, including 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which emphasized the need for personal repentance.