Second Great Awakening

Definition

The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the United States in the early 19th century, emphasizing personal faith, emotional expression, and the need for social reform. This movement significantly influenced American society by fostering a spirit of reform and activism, which ultimately led to various social movements, including abolitionism and women's rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Awakening began in the late 18th century and reached its peak between 1820 and 1840, characterized by large camp meetings and revivals.
2. Key figures of this movement included preachers such as Charles Finney, who emphasized personal conversion and societal reform in his sermons.
3. The movement led to increased participation of women in religious activities, empowering them to take on leadership roles in various social reform movements.
4. It had a profound impact on American culture by linking religion with social issues, inspiring reforms in education, temperance, and mental health care.
5. The Second Great Awakening also fostered a sense of individual responsibility, which encouraged people to improve society through charitable work and activism.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence social reform movements in the United States?
  • The Second Great Awakening played a crucial role in energizing social reform movements by linking religious beliefs with moral imperatives. Preachers encouraged followers to act on their faith by addressing societal issues like slavery and women's rights. This resulted in an increase in activism among various groups, as individuals felt compelled to make changes in their communities based on their spiritual convictions.
• What role did women play during the Second Great Awakening, and how did it affect their social status?
  • Women became prominent participants and leaders during the Second Great Awakening, often organizing revivals and social reform initiatives. This involvement marked a significant shift in their social status, as they began to take on more public roles outside of traditional domestic spheres. The movement provided women with a platform to advocate for causes such as temperance and suffrage, setting the stage for future gender equality efforts.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Second Great Awakening on American religious and social landscapes.
  • The Second Great Awakening had lasting impacts on both American religion and society by fostering a culture of activism rooted in faith. It led to the rise of new religious denominations and movements focused on personal experience with God. The emphasis on individual morality also spurred significant social changes, such as abolitionism and educational reforms. The revivalist spirit continued to influence American life well into the following centuries, shaping its moral framework and civic engagement.

Related terms

Revivalism: A religious movement focused on promoting spiritual revival through large gatherings and emotional preaching, integral to the Second Great Awakening.

Abolitionism: The movement aimed at ending slavery in the United States, which gained momentum during the Second Great Awakening as religious leaders called for moral action.

Transcendentalism: A philosophical and literary movement that emerged alongside the Second Great Awakening, emphasizing individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people.