The Great Awakening and Enlightenment reshaped colonial America in the 18th century. These movements challenged traditional authority, sparking religious revival and intellectual growth that would lay the groundwork for revolution.

Religious fervor and rational thought coexisted, influencing politics, education, and social norms. Key figures like Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin embodied the spirit of each movement, leaving lasting impacts on American culture and governance.

The Great Awakening

Impact of Great Awakening on colonies

• Revitalization of religious fervor and commitment sparked a renewed emphasis on personal faith and individual spiritual experiences leading to an increase in church membership and attendance across the colonies
• Rise of evangelical denominations such as Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians challenged the influence of established churches (Anglican, Congregational)
• Challenges to traditional religious authority emerged as charismatic preachers and lay leaders questioned clergy and established church hierarchies
• Social and cultural changes included increased religious tolerance and diversity, strengthening of communal bonds through shared religious experiences, and empowerment of women and marginalized groups through active participation in religious life
• Impact on education led to the establishment of religious colleges (Princeton, Dartmouth) and promotion of literacy for Bible reading and spiritual growth

The Enlightenment

Enlightenment influence in British America

• Political thought was heavily influenced by John Locke's ideas of natural rights, social contract, and consent of the governed along with Montesquieu's separation of powers and checks and balances, which shaped the American Revolution and the formation of the United States government
• Scientific advancement emphasized reason, empiricism, and the scientific method exemplified by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity and inventions, development of agricultural techniques and technologies, and exploration and cataloging of flora and fauna in the colonies
• Intellectual climate fostered the proliferation of newspapers, magazines, and libraries, growth of public education and literacy, and encouragement of questioning, debate, and free exchange of ideas

Great Awakening vs Enlightenment figures

• Key figures of the Great Awakening:
  1. Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan theologian known for his "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" sermon
  2. George Whitefield, a charismatic Anglican preacher who promoted emotionalism in religion
• Key figures of the Enlightenment:
  1. Benjamin Franklin, a polymath, scientist, inventor, and statesman
  2. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence who advocated for religious freedom
• Similarities in impact: Both movements encouraged questioning of traditional authority and institutions and contributed to the development of a distinct American identity and culture
• Differences in focus and approach: The Great Awakening emphasized emotional, spiritual experiences and religious revival while the Enlightenment focused on reason, scientific inquiry, and political philosophy
• Interaction between the movements occurred as some Enlightenment thinkers, like Jonathan Edwards, were also influential in the Great Awakening, and the two movements coexisted and shaped colonial society in complementary ways