Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies during the 18th century, characterized by widespread enthusiasm for religion and an emphasis on personal faith. It played a crucial role in shaping American identity by challenging traditional authority, promoting individualism, and laying the groundwork for social and political change. The movement also fostered a sense of unity among the colonies, transcending regional and denominational differences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening is often divided into two main periods: the First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) and the Second Great Awakening (early 19th century), each with distinct characteristics and key figures.
2. It led to the emergence of new denominations such as Methodism and Baptist churches, which emphasized personal faith and emotional worship over traditional rituals.
3. The movement promoted a democratization of religion, encouraging ordinary people to engage in spiritual matters rather than relying solely on established clergy.
4. Preachers like George Whitefield traveled extensively throughout the colonies, drawing large crowds and emphasizing a personal connection to God, which appealed to diverse audiences.
5. The Great Awakening fostered a sense of shared experience among colonists, contributing to a growing American identity that would later influence revolutionary sentiments.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence the relationship between religion and everyday life in colonial America?
  • The Great Awakening significantly altered the relationship between religion and everyday life by encouraging individuals to seek personal connections with God rather than adhering strictly to established religious authorities. This shift led to increased participation in religious practices outside traditional churches, allowing for more emotional expression and community engagement. As a result, many people began to view their spiritual lives as deeply intertwined with their daily experiences, fostering a more personal approach to faith.
• In what ways did the Great Awakening contribute to social changes in colonial society?
  • The Great Awakening contributed to social changes by promoting individualism and challenging established hierarchies within religious institutions. As new denominations emerged, they often embraced egalitarian principles that resonated with marginalized groups, including lower-class individuals and women. This shift not only transformed religious practice but also laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for social justice and equality, ultimately influencing broader societal changes in colonial America.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Awakening on American identity and its relationship with subsequent historical events such as the American Revolution.
  • The long-term impacts of the Great Awakening on American identity were profound, as it fostered a spirit of unity among diverse colonial populations while encouraging critical thinking about authority. This movement's emphasis on personal faith and self-determination laid important ideological groundwork for resistance against British rule during the American Revolution. The shared experiences of religious revival also helped solidify a collective identity that transcended regional divisions, setting the stage for future calls for independence and democratic ideals in emerging American society.

Related terms

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening, known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons, particularly 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which emphasized personal conversion and emotional experience in religion.

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity that seeks to renew religious fervor and convert individuals through emotional preaching and community gatherings, often associated with the Great Awakening.

Protestantism: A major branch of Christianity that originated in the Reformation, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and individual faith, and significantly influencing the beliefs and practices during the Great Awakening.