Second Great Awakening

Definition

The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the United States from the late 18th century into the early 19th century, emphasizing individual piety and a personal relationship with God. This movement spurred a wave of social reform, encouraging people to take action against societal issues such as slavery and women's rights. It also contributed to the growth of various denominations and increased interest in religious practices, shaping American culture during this transformative period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Awakening was marked by emotional preaching and a focus on personal salvation, with revivals attracting large crowds across the country.
2. It played a crucial role in promoting social reform movements, including abolitionism and temperance, as individuals felt a moral duty to address societal issues.
3. Notable figures of this revival included Charles Grandison Finney, who was known for his innovative preaching techniques and emphasis on conversion experiences.
4. The movement also led to the establishment of new religious sects and denominations, such as the Mormons and Adventists, which significantly altered the American religious landscape.
5. Women played a prominent role in the Second Great Awakening, often leading revival meetings and becoming active participants in social reform efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence individual beliefs and practices within American religion?
  • The Second Great Awakening shifted American religious practices toward a more personal and emotional approach to faith. It encouraged individuals to seek personal salvation and develop a direct relationship with God, moving away from traditional rituals. This resulted in a greater emphasis on individual choice in matters of faith and contributed to the rise of revivalism, which saw large gatherings focused on emotional preaching and community involvement.
• Discuss the connection between the Second Great Awakening and social reform movements during this period.
  • The Second Great Awakening sparked a wave of social reform movements as it instilled a sense of moral responsibility among its followers. Many participants believed that they were called to rectify societal injustices, leading to significant advocacy for abolitionism, women's rights, and temperance. This alignment of religious fervor with social activism helped shape a collective national conscience aimed at improving society based on moral principles derived from their faith.
• Evaluate the impact of the Second Great Awakening on the development of new religious denominations in America.
  • The Second Great Awakening catalyzed the formation of numerous new religious denominations and sects, fundamentally changing America's spiritual landscape. Movements like Mormonism emerged from this period as individuals sought new interpretations of faith that aligned more closely with their experiences during revivals. The competition among these new groups fostered a diverse religious environment that promoted pluralism, further influencing American culture and society by expanding options for spiritual expression and community.

Related terms

Revivalism: A movement characterized by large public gatherings aimed at rekindling religious fervor and encouraging conversions among attendees.

Camp Meeting: A form of outdoor religious gathering that became popular during the Second Great Awakening, where people camped out for several days to hear sermons and participate in worship.

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, advocating for self-reliance, individual intuition, and a deep connection to nature, influenced by the broader cultural shifts initiated by the Second Great Awakening.