Second Great Awakening

Definition

The Second Great Awakening was a major religious revival movement in the United States during the early 19th century, primarily from the 1790s to the 1840s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and the importance of individual conversion, leading to a significant increase in church membership and the rise of various denominations. This movement had profound effects on African Americans, as it promoted spiritual empowerment and social reform, including abolitionism and the fight for civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Awakening contributed to the establishment of numerous new religious denominations, including various Baptist and Methodist groups.
2. Camp meetings were a key feature of the Second Great Awakening, providing opportunities for large gatherings where individuals could experience collective worship and revival.
3. African American churches, particularly those associated with Methodism and Baptism, flourished during this period, offering a space for spiritual expression and community solidarity.
4. The revivalist spirit inspired many African Americans to become preachers and leaders within their communities, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment.
5. Social reform movements such as temperance, women's rights, and education reform were deeply influenced by the ideals of the Second Great Awakening.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence the religious landscape in America and specifically affect African Americans?
  • The Second Great Awakening significantly transformed America's religious landscape by promoting emotional worship and increasing church membership across various denominations. For African Americans, this revival offered a platform for spiritual empowerment and community organization. It encouraged them to establish their own churches where they could worship freely and assert their identities, leading to a surge in African American leadership within these faith communities.
• Evaluate the role of camp meetings in promoting both religious fervor and social change during the Second Great Awakening.
  • Camp meetings served as a vital space for the expression of religious fervor during the Second Great Awakening by bringing together large groups of people for communal worship and revival. These gatherings not only intensified personal faith but also sparked discussions around social issues such as abolitionism and temperance. They created a unique environment where diverse groups could engage with reformist ideas, fostering a sense of solidarity among participants, including many African Americans who sought social justice.
• Assess how the ideals of the Second Great Awakening contributed to broader social movements in America, particularly regarding civil rights for African Americans.
  • The ideals of the Second Great Awakening laid a foundation for numerous social movements in America by promoting concepts such as individual worth and moral responsibility. Many activists drew on these religious beliefs to argue against slavery and advocate for civil rights for African Americans. The awakening's emphasis on personal salvation and equality before God empowered African Americans to challenge systemic oppression, leading to significant participation in abolitionist efforts and setting the stage for later civil rights movements.

Related terms

Revivalism: A religious movement aimed at reawakening the faith of believers through emotional preaching and community gatherings.

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery in the United States, which gained momentum during the Second Great Awakening as many evangelicals viewed slavery as a moral sin.

Methodism: A denomination that experienced rapid growth during the Second Great Awakening, known for its focus on personal piety and social activism.