The Great Awakening v. The Enlightenment

VS

Two broad sets of ideas largely determined the worldview in 18th century America prior to the American Revolution. While it is true that the Enlightenment more thoroughly influenced the Colonial elite, and the Great Awakening was most influential amongst common people, both found their nexus in America. 

Religion in Colonial America

Puritanism dominant early in New England, but other Protestant churches start to form

The Anglican Church is rooted in the South

Catholics and Jews are few, but distrusted Some religious leaders are concerned

with the decline in piety and religion The Great Awakening is one of the first

events to unify the colonies

The Great Awakening

Series of religious revivals beginning in 1720s, peaking between 1740 & 1755, which was centered in America.

Was an American phenomenon, 1st mass social movement in US—arguably the first to provide some common experience amongst all Colonies.

Elements of the Great Awakening

#1 Enthusiasm--emotional manifestations (weeping, fainting, physical movements) in contrast to staid and formal Anglican and Congregational worship.

#2 Itinerancy--preachers roamed rural and urban areas and held meetings

#3 Democratic religious movement-  insisted that all should have the religious experience-  Stirred impulse towards independence among colonists-  Broke down strong denominational ties- Challenged religious authority. Baptists in the South preached to slaves and against the ostentatious wealth of the planter class

Old Lights vs. New Lights

Old Lights -- orthodox and liberal clergymen deeply skeptical of  emotionalism and theatrical antics of the revivalists.   Believed emotionalism threatened their usefulness and spiritual authority

New Lights -- Supported the Awakening for revitalizing  American religion  and used emotionalism to move followers. 

Jonathan Edwards

Famous preacher of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Most famous and influential preacher of the Great Awakening (also very scary)

George Whitefield (1714-1770)

Famous open air preacher of the revival- spoke to crowds as high as 30,000

Preached about the religious power of the common man, founded Methodism in GA and SC

Effect of the Great Awakening

Split denominations and created competitiveness among churches (e.g. Baptists)

Brought religion to those who had lost it New Lights v. Old Lights Converted many women, gave women

more power Encouraged missionary work with slaves

and women

More Effects

Helped create the “revolutionary mindset” because it CHALLENGED AUTHORITY & TRADITION

Led to the creation of new light colleges: Dartmouth, Brown, Rutgers, College of New Jersey (Princeton), King’s College (Columbia), Brown

The Enlightenment

Began in 1690s, peak between 1720-1780

Central tenet: the power of human reason to understand laws of nature, society, government, etc., and to direct progress in those areas. 

The Enlightenment also worked to undermine and challenge traditional authority

John Locke

His enlightenment ideas were very important in challenging British authority

The right to rebel and the social contract theory of government

“We give up our right to ourselves exact retribution for crimes in return for impartial justice backed by overwhelming force. We retain the right to life and liberty, and gain the right to just, impartial protection of our property.”

Effects of Enlightenment in America

More focus on Education Technological and medical advancements

in America Contributed to important principles in our

founding documents (Declaration, Constitution)

The GA and Enlightenment

They help to create the attitude necessary for the Revolution

Challenging Authority Help the colonists to create their own

unique societies and character