Explain the causes and effects of the great awakening?

Answer 1

The causes and effects of the Great Awakening are subjective and thus various historians will offer different theories. To begin with, there are technically four Great Awakenings--one in the mid 18th century, one in the beginning of the 19th century, one towards the end of the 19th century, and one in the 20th century (1960's-70's). The First Great Awakening is probably the one you are referring to, as it is the most commonly referred to by that name.

There are a number of theories behind the causes of the First Great Awakening--and naturally, all of them are subjective and debateable. The most important factors that I believe must be considered when discussing its causes relate directly to the environment, tone and lifestyle in the colonies during early 18th century and the events leading up to it. Religious persecution has a long powerful history in Europe and many colonists in the 18th century had hardly forgotten this--in fact, many cite it as one of the reasons for their colonization in the first place (again this is highly debateable). In addition to this, Europe was still technically experienceing The Enlightenment--and colonists had been exposed to a number of new ideas, philosophys, beliefs, etc. This "think for yourself" impact combined with a bad taste left over from all of Europe's religious turmoil (Protestants vs. Catholics for example) most definetly left a religious void in the colonists. Essentially, religion in the colonies stagnated, and it was this lull that opened the door for a new sensationalist movement. It should be noted, of course, that the First Great Awakening wasn't so much of a widespread occurance as it was something that began at the grassroots and popped up in various towns at various times.

In addition to Europe's lasting impact on the colonists, one must take into consideration daily life in the colonies. While "boredom" isn't exactly a sufficient cause, it certainly must be taken into consideration. We must remember that the colonies were young and new American culture had yet to manifest in areas such as arts, humanities and entertainment. Days were long and labor heavy, and America was still very much an alien world. When you consider the nature of the Great Awakening--it's most significant feature being the sensationalism, "fire and brimstone" excitement that occurred at a very personal and very physical level--it is easy to see how something as exciting as this could take lackluster towns by storm. If you haven't already, read some of the sermons from the period (Jonathan Edwards' is among the most famous).

The effects of the Great Awakening are equally debateable. One that I particularly feel is important is that religion reached a more personal level--God was not merely an authoritative voice in the scripture, but was pulsating through the bodies of "touched individuals"--making religion an extremely personal experience. In addition to this, I believe that, in some way or another the importance of public speaking and exciting religious literature reached a new level in the colonies. The Great Awakening opened the door for creativity in the religious realm.

Many historians also claim a connection between the Great Awakening and the American Revolution, which followed shortly after. More than anything, I believe the Great Awakening was a uniquly "American" experience and one of the first examples of the newly emerging culture--a culture that, as it became more and more pronounced, helped signify and draw attention to the growing changes between the colonists and Great Britain.