First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening was a religious revival movement in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional expression, and a direct relationship with God, challenging traditional church authority and rituals. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield attracted large crowds, encouraging individuals to seek spiritual renewal. This movement led to the growth of new Protestant denominations and fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists, influencing social and religious thoughts and promoting increased religious participation across different communities.