The Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies during the 18th century, emphasizing personal faith and emotional connection to God. This movement challenged established religious authority and promoted a more individualistic approach to spirituality, leading to increased participation in various denominations and fostering a sense of shared American identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Great Awakening began in the 1730s and continued into the 1740s, while the Second Great Awakening spanned from the late 18th century into the early 19th century.
2. Key figures of the Great Awakening included Jonathan Edwards, known for his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' and George Whitefield, who traveled extensively to preach.
3. The movement emphasized emotional experiences in religion, leading many to feel a direct connection with God rather than relying solely on church authority.
4. The Great Awakening led to a surge in the formation of new denominations and increased religious pluralism across the American landscape.
5. The revivalist spirit of the Great Awakening influenced later social reform movements, inspiring many activists to pursue causes like abolitionism and women's rights with a moral imperative.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening challenge traditional religious authority and influence individual spirituality?
  • The Great Awakening challenged traditional religious authority by promoting emotional preaching and personal connections to God. This movement encouraged individuals to seek their own spiritual experiences rather than relying on established church doctrine or clergy. As a result, many people became more involved in various denominations, fostering a sense of individualism and personal faith that reshaped the religious landscape of colonial America.
• In what ways did the Great Awakening contribute to social reform movements in America?
  • The Great Awakening played a significant role in inspiring social reform movements by instilling a sense of moral duty among its followers. The revivalist emphasis on personal responsibility and ethical living encouraged many individuals to take action against social injustices such as slavery and gender inequality. This moral urgency led to heightened activism, resulting in movements like abolitionism and women’s rights gaining traction in the years following the Great Awakening.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Awakening on American society and its religious landscape.
  • The long-term impacts of the Great Awakening on American society were profound, as it not only transformed the religious landscape but also contributed to a growing sense of national identity. The movement led to increased religious diversity and pluralism as new denominations emerged. Additionally, it fostered a culture of activism that laid the groundwork for future social reforms, shaping American values around individual rights and moral responsibility. Ultimately, the Great Awakening helped create a more democratic and participatory approach to religion in America.

Related terms

Evangelicalism: A movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the necessity of personal conversion and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

New Light Preachers: A group of ministers who emerged during the Great Awakening advocating for emotional preaching and personal piety over traditional religious practices.

Social Reform Movements: Various movements aimed at promoting social change and addressing issues such as abolition, women's rights, and temperance, often inspired by the revivalist spirit of the Great Awakening.