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🪶american literature – before 1860 review

key term - The Great Awakening

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Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by an emphasis on personal faith and emotional religious experiences. It challenged established religious institutions and inspired a new wave of evangelical fervor, leading to significant changes in colonial society and culture. The movement played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of America and influencing various forms of colonial writing, particularly sermons and religious texts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Great Awakening is typically divided into two main waves: the First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) and the Second Great Awakening (early 19th century), each with distinct characteristics and leaders.
  2. Key figures like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards played crucial roles in spreading revivalist ideas, using passionate preaching to engage and inspire large audiences.
  3. The movement fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists, as diverse congregations came together in response to common themes of personal salvation and moral renewal.
  4. The Great Awakening had a lasting impact on American religion by promoting denominational diversity and encouraging the formation of new sects outside traditional churches.
  5. The emphasis on personal experience and emotional expression during the Great Awakening laid the groundwork for modern evangelicalism and shaped future religious movements in America.

Review Questions

  • How did the Great Awakening influence colonial writing, particularly in terms of sermons and religious texts?
    • The Great Awakening greatly influenced colonial writing by encouraging a focus on personal experience and emotional appeal in sermons and religious texts. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield crafted their messages to resonate deeply with congregants, using vivid imagery and passionate language. This shift led to a new style of writing that prioritized direct engagement with the audience's feelings, making religious messages more accessible and impactful.
  • In what ways did the Great Awakening challenge established religious institutions during its emergence?
    • The Great Awakening challenged established religious institutions by promoting individual interpretation of faith over traditional authority. As preachers emphasized personal conversions and emotional experiences, many colonists began to question the rigid structures of existing denominations. This shift created tension between revivalists and established clergy, ultimately leading to the fragmentation of traditional congregations and paving the way for new sects that aligned more closely with awakening ideals.
  • Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Awakening on American society and its role in shaping modern evangelical movements.
    • The long-term effects of the Great Awakening on American society were profound, as it not only transformed religious practices but also influenced social dynamics across various communities. The emphasis on personal faith and collective identity fostered a more diverse religious landscape, which became a hallmark of American culture. Furthermore, this movement laid essential groundwork for modern evangelicalism by prioritizing emotional connections to faith, empowering individuals to seek spiritual experiences beyond institutional confines, thus reshaping American religious expression for generations to come.

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