Great Disappointment

The Great Disappointment refers to the event in 1844 when followers of William Miller, a Christian preacher, believed Jesus Christ would return to Earth on October 22, and that their righteous followers would be saved. When this expected event did not happen, they faced profound disappointment and confusion. The event marked a significant moment in American religious history, leading to the development of new religious groups, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and highlighting how deeply people's hopes and beliefs can influence their expectations of the divine.