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I have an idea that the First Great Awakening was truly a Protestant development, and as such it helped foster the spirit of the American Revolution. I don't really think that the same would have resulted had, for example, revivalism primarily been a Catholic phenomenon. The Great Awakening seemed to ingrain the notion of self-autonomy in religious matters within the colonies which later on developed into self-autonomy within political matters as well. Since Catholicism by nature does not seem to be compatible with ultimate independence of authority in regards to religious matters, I don't know that the same result would have followed had the colonies had majority Catholic populations. What I'm saying falls into the “What If?” category of historical questioning but I think it's an interesting one to discuss.What do you think?
Not only did Prostestant theology highlight religious and eventually political independence, but the Great Awakening itself was the first inter-colonial event. The Great Awakening became a catalyst that helped the colonies become self aware beyond the scope of the British Empire, and also to think critically within it. Quite simply, the efforts of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and others made it possible for common uneducated laymen to become ministers outside the Anglican and Congregationalist establishments. The playing field was truly leveled.
I was wondering what particular circumstances led up to The First Great Awakening in mid-1700?Thank you so much.I am doing this for a school project so that would great if you could answer my question.
I was wondering what particular circumstances led up to The First Great Awakening in mid-1700?Thank you so much.I am doing this for a school project so that would great if you could answer my question.
You need to start with Jonathan Edwards in Massachusetts then. It is generally agreed that the revivals in Northampton, Mass. in 1735 or so touched off the general movement. George Whitefield's arrival in South Carolina a few years later took things to the next level. Concentrate on these two for the origins of the Great Awakening. You might also consider the colonial resistance to a North American Anglican Bishop and also the religious tolerance movements begun by Roger Williams and William Penn. Their acceptance of dissenters and splinter group sects planted some early seeds.
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