The Great Awakening

The Great Awakening was a significant religious revival that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, particularly between the 1730s and 1740s. This movement emphasized personal faith, emotional engagement, and a direct relationship with God, often challenging established church authorities. Charismatic preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield played key roles, attracting large audiences. The revival fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists and laid the groundwork for democratic ideas and movements in America, contributing to the development of individual rights and challenging social norms of the time.