Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, emphasizing personal faith, emotional expression, and a direct relationship with God. This movement not only transformed religious practices but also fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists, which contributed to the growing desire for independence and ultimately set the stage for the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening led to a decline in the power of established churches and encouraged a rise in religious pluralism across the colonies.
2. It fostered a spirit of questioning authority and traditional beliefs, paving the way for revolutionary ideas about governance and individual rights.
3. The movement highlighted the importance of individual interpretation of the Bible, promoting literacy and education among the populace.
4. Revival meetings often brought together people from diverse backgrounds, helping to build a sense of community and shared purpose among colonists.
5. As people began to prioritize their personal faith over institutional authority, this shift contributed to broader sentiments of independence from British rule.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence individual beliefs and practices among colonists in the American colonies?
  • The Great Awakening encouraged colonists to develop a more personal and emotional connection with their faith, moving away from the rigid structures of established churches. This emphasis on individual spirituality allowed people to interpret religious texts for themselves, leading to increased literacy and critical thinking. As colonists began prioritizing their personal beliefs over institutional doctrines, it helped cultivate a culture of independence and questioning authority that would resonate during the push for revolution.
• In what ways did key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield shape the narrative and impact of the Great Awakening?
  • Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were pivotal in spreading the fervor of the Great Awakening through their passionate preaching styles and widespread itinerant ministry. Edwards is known for his powerful sermons that emphasized sinfulness and redemption, which ignited religious enthusiasm among listeners. Similarly, Whitefield's charismatic approach drew massive crowds, promoting emotional engagement in worship. Their efforts significantly contributed to increasing religious fervor and fostering a collective identity among colonists, setting the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments.
• Evaluate the broader social implications of the Great Awakening on colonial society and its connections to revolutionary thought.
  • The Great Awakening had profound social implications, as it challenged established religious hierarchies and fostered an environment where individual rights were prioritized. This movement nurtured an atmosphere of dissent against traditional authority figures, which paralleled growing political discontent with British rule. As colonists experienced newfound empowerment through their faith, they began applying similar principles of self-governance and autonomy to their political beliefs. The spiritual revivalism helped lay a cultural foundation that encouraged revolutionary ideas about freedom and democracy, ultimately leading to calls for independence from Britain.

Related terms

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening, known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons that emphasized personal salvation and the need for a heartfelt relationship with God.

George Whitefield: An influential evangelist during the Great Awakening who traveled extensively throughout the colonies, drawing large crowds and promoting a message of emotional spirituality.

New Light vs. Old Light: A division within colonial churches during the Great Awakening; 'New Light' supporters embraced revivalism and emotional preaching, while 'Old Light' adherents favored traditional, rational approaches to religion.