Navigation Acts and First Great Awakening: Causes of the American Revolution

Navigation Acts

They were British laws passed to control colonial trade and enforce mercantilism.

Who passed the Navigation Acts?

The British Parliament.

Main purpose of the Navigation Acts

To make sure colonies benefited England economically and kept trade within the British Empire.

Rules under the Navigation Acts

Colonists could only trade with England or English ships; some goods could only go to England; foreign goods had to go through England first.

Colonists' reaction to the Navigation Acts

They resented them, began smuggling, and grew angry at British control.

Navigation Acts as an early cause of

The American Revolution.

First Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the colonies during the 1730s-1740s.

Major figures in the First Great Awakening

Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.

Purpose of the First Great Awakening

To revive personal faith and religious enthusiasm among colonists.

Preaching style of the First Great Awakening

Emotional, passionate sermons that focused on personal connection to God.

How the First Great Awakening challenged authority

It encouraged colonists to think for themselves and question church and political leadership.

Key result of the First Great Awakening

The rise of new denominations like Baptists and Methodists and increased religious equality.

Contribution of the First Great Awakening to the Revolution

It promoted independent thinking and a spirit of questioning authority.

Key difference between Navigation Acts and First Great Awakening

Navigation Acts were economic laws by Britain; the Great Awakening was a religious revival within the colonies.

Commonality between Navigation Acts and First Great Awakening

Both contributed to colonial dissatisfaction and helped lead to the American Revolution.