Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, particularly between the 1730s and the 1770s. This movement emphasized a personal connection to God, emotional engagement in worship, and challenged established religious authority, leading to a significant shift in American religious practices and cultural identity. The impact of the Great Awakening can be seen in various forms of art and material culture, reflecting the increased importance of individual experience and belief systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening helped to foster a sense of shared American identity among the colonies, as many people participated in similar religious experiences.
2. It led to the growth of new denominations and increased religious pluralism, as people sought alternatives to established churches.
3. The emotional style of preaching during this period emphasized personal experiences and emotional responses to faith, contrasting with more traditional, rational approaches.
4. The movement also contributed to early forms of democratic thought, as it encouraged individuals to question authority not only in religion but also in society and politics.
5. Art and material culture during this period began reflecting the newfound spiritual fervor and individualistic beliefs, leading to an increase in items that symbolized personal faith.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence the development of new religious denominations in colonial America?
  • The Great Awakening significantly influenced the emergence of new religious denominations by encouraging individuals to seek alternative expressions of faith beyond traditional church structures. As people became more emotionally engaged in their worship and personal relationships with God, many left established denominations that did not align with these new beliefs. This shift fostered a diverse religious landscape in colonial America, with various sects arising, such as Methodists and Baptists, which emphasized personal faith and community involvement.
• Discuss how the Great Awakening contributed to changes in American material culture during the 18th century.
  • The Great Awakening led to notable changes in American material culture by inspiring individuals to express their spirituality through everyday objects. Religious symbols became more prominent in art, furniture, and household items, reflecting the personal nature of faith that was central to the movement. Additionally, as communities gathered for revival meetings, objects associated with worship became essential in people's homes, emphasizing both individual devotion and community identity within a shared spiritual experience.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Great Awakening on American society and culture, particularly regarding individualism and democratic thought.
  • The Great Awakening had profound implications for American society and culture by promoting individualism and challenging established authorities. As people experienced spiritual awakenings firsthand, they began to value personal interpretations of faith over traditional doctrines. This shift not only transformed religious practices but also laid groundwork for democratic thought, encouraging individuals to question social hierarchies and advocate for their rights. In this way, the Great Awakening played a crucial role in shaping a society that valued personal freedom and equality.

Related terms

Revivalism: A religious movement aimed at rekindling spiritual fervor and commitment through emotional preaching and communal worship.

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons, most famously 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.'

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, influenced by the individualistic ideals of the Great Awakening, emphasizing self-reliance and personal spirituality.