Enlightenment and Great Awakening

Enlightenment and Great Awakening

Discuss the impact of the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening on colonial society in America.

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Enlightenment and Great Awakening

The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening were two transformative intellectual and cultural movements in the 18th century that significantly influenced colonial society in America. Although they were distinct in nature, both movements challenged traditional authority, promoted new ways of thinking, and helped shape American society by fostering individualism, reason, and a questioning attitude toward established institutions like the church and monarchy.

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights. Influenced by European philosophers like John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Voltaire, the Enlightenment encouraged colonists to think critically about government, religion, and societal structures. In America, this movement fostered the idea that individuals had natural rights, which were key in shaping the political philosophy of the Revolution. Enlightenment thinkers, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, promoted the importance of education, rational thought, and the pursuit of knowledge, which led to the establishment of libraries, colleges, and a greater focus on scientific discovery and innovation. The Enlightenment also contributed to a growing belief in self-governance and the critique of monarchical rule, which would later influence the American fight for independence.

The Great Awakening

While the Enlightenment focused on reason and rationality, the Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. It was characterized by passionate preaching and a focus on personal salvation, encouraging individuals to experience a direct, emotional connection with God. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield rejected the traditional, hierarchical structures of the church and emphasized personal piety, leading to a more democratic approach to religion. The Great Awakening had a profound impact on colonial society by promoting religious pluralism, challenging established authority within churches, and fostering a sense of…