Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by an emphasis on personal faith, emotional expression, and a move away from established church doctrines. This movement not only transformed religious practices but also influenced social dynamics and laid the groundwork for a more participatory form of worship, impacting the fabric of colonial society and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening began in the 1730s and reached its height in the 1740s, with widespread revivals occurring across New England and other colonies.
2. This movement led to the rise of new denominations, such as Baptists and Methodists, who embraced more emotional and personal styles of worship.
3. The Great Awakening encouraged the questioning of traditional authority within established churches, leading to greater religious freedom and diversity.
4. It fostered a sense of shared American identity among colonists as people from different backgrounds came together for revival meetings.
5. The Great Awakening had political implications, as it encouraged individuals to challenge established authority, setting the stage for revolutionary sentiments in the years leading up to independence.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening contribute to changes in colonial social structures?
  • The Great Awakening significantly altered social structures in the colonies by fostering an environment where individual faith took precedence over traditional church authority. As people began to prioritize personal experiences with God, new denominations emerged that promoted equality and participation among believers. This shift allowed for a more diverse religious landscape and empowered many individuals, including women and lower-class members, to take active roles in their spiritual communities.
• Analyze the role of key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield in shaping the Great Awakening's impact on religious practices.
  • Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were instrumental in shaping the Great Awakening by introducing dynamic preaching styles that emphasized emotion and personal connection with faith. Edwards’ intense sermons highlighted the urgency of repentance, while Whitefield’s charisma attracted large audiences across the colonies. Their influence not only revived interest in Christianity but also encouraged a break from rigid denominational structures, promoting a more accessible form of worship that resonated with many colonists.
• Evaluate how the Great Awakening influenced emerging political ideas that contributed to American independence.
  • The Great Awakening laid a crucial foundation for emerging political ideas that contributed to American independence by encouraging individuals to question authority, both religious and political. The movement's emphasis on personal agency and community involvement fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists. As people began to see themselves as equal participants in their faith communities, they also applied these democratic principles to their views on governance, ultimately inspiring revolutionary thoughts about liberty and self-determination in the years leading up to independence.

Related terms

Jonathan Edwards: A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening, known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons that emphasized personal salvation and the necessity of repentance.

George Whitefield: An itinerant preacher who played a crucial role in the Great Awakening, known for his charismatic style and ability to attract large crowds with his emotional sermons.

Religious Pluralism: The coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and practices within a society, which was encouraged by the Great Awakening as various denominations gained followers.