4.10 - The Second Great Awakening

The Second Great Awakening

Theme: American and Regional Culture

Learning Objective

  • 4.J: Explain the causes of the Second Great Awakening.

Key Concept

  • KC-4.1.II.A.i: The rise of democratic and individualistic beliefs, a response to rationalism, and changes to society caused by the market revolution, along with greater social and geographical mobility, contributed to a Second Great Awakening among Protestants.

Overview of the Great Awakening

  • Definition: The Great Awakening refers to a religious revival that spanned various Christian denominations and led to the creation of new ones, including the Mormons and Millerites.

    • Format of Revivals: Revivals often attracted thousands of followers and were sometimes held in rural areas as camp meetings.

Key Figures in the Second Great Awakening

  • Joseph Smith: Founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).

  • Brigham Young: Leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith, who led the migration to Utah.

  • William Miller: Founder of the Millerite movement, which anticipated the Second Coming of Christ.

Causes of the Second Great Awakening

  1. Democratic and Individualistic Beliefs

    • Worshippers were drawn to less formal and more participatory worship services.

    • Example: Timothy Dwight, a prominent preacher whose sermons encouraged engagement and participation.

  2. Response to Rationalism

    • New worship services emphasized emotion and personal experiences of salvation rather than strict rationalist and intellectual approaches.

    • Example: Peter Cartwright, a significant figure known for his emotional preaching style and fervent calls for personal salvation.

  3. Effects of the Market Revolution

    • A reaction to the growing materialism and sin associated with the burgeoning capitalism and greed of the era.

  4. Social and Geographical Mobility

    • Individuals seeking to escape crowded urban environments were more receptive to ideas of salvation through faith and hard work.

    • Example: Charles Grandison Finney, an influential preacher known for his fervent revivals in the Burned-Over District, which became famous for its spiritual fervor and proliferation of various religious movements.

Recap

  • The Second Great Awakening built on the foundations of earlier revivals by reinforcing Protestant ideas and facilitating the emergence of new denominations.

  • Its development was influenced by the market revolution, the growth of the middle class, rising democratic sentiments, and a collective response to rationalism.