Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by fervent preaching and an emphasis on personal faith. It led to a transformation in American religious life, fostering a more democratic spirit and challenging traditional authority, which contributed to the development of distinct cultural patterns across the colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening occurred during the 1730s and 1740s, primarily affecting New England and spreading throughout the American colonies.
2. It sparked a wave of new denominations, as various groups sought to promote their interpretations of faith and worship.
3. The movement emphasized individual experience and emotional connection to faith, making religion more accessible to everyday people.
4. Preachers like George Whitefield traveled extensively, drawing large crowds and encouraging a spirit of unity among different religious groups.
5. The Great Awakening laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas about equality and personal rights that would later influence the American Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence the social fabric of colonial America?
  • The Great Awakening significantly transformed the social fabric of colonial America by encouraging a sense of individualism and personal connection to faith. It fostered a more democratic atmosphere, as people began to challenge established religious authorities and embrace new denominations. This shift towards individual interpretation of religion not only impacted spiritual life but also laid the groundwork for broader discussions about equality and rights in colonial society.
• Evaluate the impact of key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield on the Great Awakening's growth.
  • Key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield played pivotal roles in the growth of the Great Awakening through their powerful sermons and charismatic preaching styles. Edwards's emphasis on personal sin and redemption resonated deeply with audiences, while Whitefield's ability to draw large crowds with his theatrical delivery expanded the movement's reach. Their efforts not only revived religious fervor but also encouraged diverse expressions of faith, leading to the emergence of various denominations that shaped American culture.
• Analyze how the Great Awakening set the stage for future social movements in America, including its role in shaping revolutionary ideas.
  • The Great Awakening set the stage for future social movements in America by promoting principles of equality, personal rights, and individual conscience. Its emphasis on personal faith over institutional authority inspired colonists to question traditional hierarchies, which paralleled growing sentiments leading up to the American Revolution. The revivalist spirit encouraged collective action and unity among diverse groups, ultimately contributing to a culture of activism that would be critical in advocating for independence and social reforms in subsequent years.

Related terms

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity focused on the revival of spiritual fervor, typically involving emotional preaching and outreach efforts to convert individuals.

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons, particularly 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which emphasized the need for personal conversion.

Evangelicalism: A worldwide trans-denominational movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the need for personal conversion and the authority of the Bible.