Which describes the second Great Awakening of the early 1800s?

History · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival that took place in the United States during the early 19th century, roughly spanning from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a series of religious movements and revivals that had a significant impact on American society. Here are key features and characteristics of the Second Great Awakening:

1. Religious Revival:

  - The Second Great Awakening was marked by a widespread resurgence of religious fervor and enthusiasm. It represented a reaction against the perceived decline of religious piety and formalism.

2. Emphasis on Personal Salvation:

  - Unlike the more formal and structured religious practices of the time, the Second Great Awakening emphasized the personal experience of salvation. It encouraged individuals to have a direct and personal relationship with God, often through emotional and experiential religious practices.

3. Camp Meetings and Revivals:

  - Outdoor religious gatherings, known as camp meetings, became a prominent feature of the Second Great Awakening. These events attracted large crowds and featured charismatic preachers who delivered impassioned sermons, leading to emotional and spiritual experiences among attendees. Revivals, or periods of intense religious enthusiasm and conversion, were common during these gatherings.

4. Appeal to Emotion:

  - The revivalists of the Second Great Awakening placed a strong emphasis on emotional and heartfelt religious experiences. Sermons and religious practices were designed to elicit emotional responses, and the conversion experience was often accompanied by expressions of joy, sorrow, or ecstasy.

5. Democratic and Egalitarian Influence:

  - The Second Great Awakening had a democratizing influence on American religion. It attracted people from various social and economic backgrounds, and its emphasis on personal salvation and direct communication with God contributed to a more egalitarian and individualistic approach to faith.

6. Social Reform Movements:

  - The religious enthusiasm of the Second Great Awakening contributed to the rise of various social reform movements. Many of its adherents became involved in causes such as temperance (opposition to alcohol consumption), abolitionism (opposition to slavery), and women's rights.

7. Denominational Growth:

  - The Second Great Awakening led to the growth and spread of various Christian denominations, including Methodism, Baptists, and others. It played a role in the expansion of evangelical Christianity in the United States.

8. Regional and Temporal Variations:

  - The Second Great Awakening manifested differently in various regions of the country and occurred in multiple waves. Different religious denominations and movements were associated with different phases of the revival.

Overall, the Second Great Awakening had a profound impact on American religious and social life, contributing to the shaping of religious attitudes, individual spirituality, and various reform movements during the 19th century.