First

Definition

The First refers to the initial phase of the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that swept across the United States in the early 19th century. This period is characterized by its emphasis on personal salvation, emotional preaching, and the democratization of religion, which led to an increase in church membership and a surge in various reform movements. The First set the stage for a broader spiritual awakening that influenced American society, culture, and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First phase of the Second Great Awakening took place primarily in the 1790s to the 1830s and emphasized personal faith over established doctrine.
2. It led to significant growth in Methodist and Baptist denominations, as itinerant preachers traveled to spread their messages.
3. Emotional preaching styles became popular during this time, encouraging congregants to experience intense feelings of conversion and spiritual renewal.
4. The First also played a crucial role in social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights, as religious groups sought to address societal issues through moral imperatives.
5. This revival laid the groundwork for future religious movements and contributed to the shaping of American identity by intertwining faith with national values.

Review Questions

• How did the First contribute to the growth of specific denominations in America during the Second Great Awakening?
  • The First phase of the Second Great Awakening led to significant growth in denominations like Methodism and Baptism, as itinerant preachers utilized emotional preaching styles that resonated with diverse audiences. These preachers traveled extensively, holding camp meetings that attracted large crowds seeking spiritual renewal. As a result, church memberships swelled, fundamentally changing the religious landscape of America.
• In what ways did the First influence social reform movements during the early 19th century?
  • The First phase inspired numerous social reform movements by framing issues like abolitionism and women's rights within a religious context. Religious leaders encouraged followers to engage with societal problems as part of their moral duty. This infusion of faith into activism galvanized many individuals who sought to create a more just society, showing how deeply interconnected religion and reform were during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the First on American society and identity beyond its immediate effects.
  • The long-term impact of the First extends far beyond its immediate effects on church growth and social reforms. It laid the foundational ethos for future religious movements and cultivated a national identity intertwined with democratic ideals of individualism and activism. By promoting personal piety and moral responsibility, it helped shape modern American values that emphasize freedom of belief and civic engagement. This legacy continues to influence contemporary American spirituality and social justice efforts.

Related terms

Second Great Awakening:

A widespread religious revival that occurred in the early to mid-19th century, promoting individual piety, moral reform, and social activism.

Camp Meeting: A type of outdoor religious gathering where individuals would gather for extended periods to hear sermons and participate in worship, central to the revivalist spirit of the Second Great Awakening.

Revivalism: The movement aimed at rekindling faith and religious fervor among individuals, leading to mass conversions and a push for moral reforms.