The First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening was a religious revival in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional experience, and a direct relationship with God, rather than formal church traditions. Many people, including those outside established churches, experienced powerful sermons and gatherings that inspired spiritual renewal. This movement fostered a sense of individual empowerment and challenged traditional religious authority, helping to unite diverse colonial communities and fueling ideas of independence. Overall, it marked a major shift toward more personal and democratic approaches to faith in American history.