The Great Awakening v. The Enlightenment

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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 First mass social movement in American

History (religious revival) More religious focus, excitement,

seriousness, and fear challenged pre-destination

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 Famous open air preacher of the revival-

spoke to crowds as high as 30,000 Preached about the religious power of the

common man

Effect of the Great Awakening

Split Denominations and created competitiveness among churches

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 establish the revolutionary

mindset and the willingness to challenge authority

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

The Enlightenment Movement that focused on Reason and

Science as the means to achieve progress and improve society

Enlightenment also worked to undermine and challenge traditional authority

Science and Reason could compete with religion and faith, but not always

John Locke His enlightenment ideas were very

important in challenging British authority The right to rebel and the contract theory

of government

Ben Franklin A great American thinker of The

Enlightenment

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