Second Great Awakening

Definition

The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that began in the early 19th century and emphasized personal faith, emotional expression, and individual connection to God. It played a crucial role in shaping American Protestantism and led to the growth of various denominations, particularly Methodism and Baptism, as well as inspiring social reform movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Awakening significantly increased church membership and participation across the United States, leading to a surge in religious fervor.
2. Prominent figures of the Second Great Awakening included Charles Finney, who is known for his innovative revival techniques and emphasis on individual conversion.
3. The movement fostered a spirit of optimism about human potential and social progress, leading to various reform efforts in education, temperance, and abolition.
4. It also encouraged the establishment of new religious denominations and sects, contributing to a diverse religious landscape in America.
5. Women played a vital role in the revival meetings and social reform movements, using their experiences to advocate for issues like temperance and suffrage.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence individual religious practices in America?
  • The Second Great Awakening placed a strong emphasis on personal faith and emotional experiences in worship, encouraging individuals to forge a direct connection with God. This shift allowed people to express their spirituality more openly and actively participate in religious life. The focus on individual conversions led many to seek out personal experiences of salvation rather than relying solely on traditional church doctrines.
• In what ways did the Second Great Awakening impact the development of social reform movements during the 19th century?
  • The Second Great Awakening was closely tied to various social reform movements, as its emphasis on moral responsibility inspired individuals to address societal issues. Many revivalists believed that their spiritual awakenings should lead to tangible improvements in society. This belief fueled movements like abolitionism, which sought to end slavery, and women's rights, as reformers viewed these causes as extensions of their religious convictions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Second Great Awakening on American religion and society today.
  • The long-term effects of the Second Great Awakening can be seen in the ongoing diversity of American religious practices and the emphasis on individual spirituality. Its legacy persists in contemporary movements that prioritize personal faith experiences over institutional authority. Additionally, the social reform spirit ignited during this period laid foundations for later movements advocating for civil rights and social justice, highlighting a continuing interplay between faith and activism in American society.

Related terms

Camp Meetings: Religious gatherings held outdoors, often in rural areas, where people came together to worship, sing, and engage in passionate preaching during the Second Great Awakening.

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity that seeks to promote personal conversions and spiritual renewal through enthusiastic preaching and worship.

Social Reform Movements: Movements that arose during the Second Great Awakening, including abolitionism and women's rights, driven by the belief that religious faith could inspire moral improvement in society.