How did christian revivalism in the mid-1800s affect American politics and society?

Answer 1

This part of a question I have been writing on for my dissertation and one that has a multitude of information and examples to explore. It is no secret that although legislation was drafted and approved to define the separation of church and state, the two were inextricably linked especially in the second half of the 19th century. Invariably money also joined hands with the church to work together as pressure in politics. Indeed, from politics to church schisms, numerous lines divided the new melting pot in America. In the wake of a civil war many people wanted a new Christianity, a revitalized and back to the basics type of church. However many issues polarized and drew dramatic lines between denominations and many of the movements that started and gained momentum in the last half of the century. Even more were movements like spiritualism and other forms of the occult seeing greater and greater interest. The new "spiritual" movements permeated the church and deeply into society. It was revivalism that began to bring real answers to hard questions and one impetus for bible study anew and a resurgence in Biblical authority. I could go on, but I think this gives some idea as to the immensity and diversity of the church and the wave of revival that swept a nation --even crossed oceans and cultures...