Second Great Awakening Apush Definition

The Second Great Awakening: A Rekindling of Religious Faith in America

The Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revivalism in the United States that lasted roughly from the 1790s to the 1840s, significantly impacted American society and culture. Understanding its definition requires examining its multifaceted nature, its key figures and movements, and its lasting consequences on social reform, politics, and the development of American identity. This article delves into the Second Great Awakening's APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History) definition, exploring its causes, characteristics, and profound legacy.

Introduction: A Nation in Transformation

The late 18th and early 19th centuries witnessed a rapidly transforming America. The newly formed nation grappled with establishing its identity separate from Europe, navigating westward expansion, and grappling with the complex issues of slavery and burgeoning industrialization. Amidst this societal flux, a powerful wave of religious fervor swept across the country, known as the Second Great Awakening. Unlike the First Great Awakening, which was largely confined to the coastal regions, the Second Great Awakening reached a far broader audience, encompassing diverse social groups and geographical locations. This period saw the rise of new religious denominations, the proliferation of revival meetings, and a renewed emphasis on individual religious experience and social reform. This widespread religious enthusiasm profoundly impacted social, political, and intellectual life in the United States, laying the groundwork for many of the reform movements of the antebellum era.

Causes of the Second Great Awakening: Seeds of Revival

Several factors contributed to the fertile ground for the Second Great Awakening. Firstly, the rationalism of the Enlightenment, while offering intellectual progress, had left a spiritual void for many. The emphasis on reason and logic seemed to diminish the importance of religious faith and emotional experience. Secondly, the growth of democracy empowered individuals, fostering a sense of self-reliance and agency that extended to religious expression. People sought a more personal and participatory form of religious practice. Thirdly, the rapid expansion westward brought with it challenges and uncertainties, leading individuals to seek solace and meaning in religion. Finally, urbanization and industrialization, while promising economic opportunities, also created social instability and alienation, pushing many towards the emotional comfort and community offered by religious institutions.

Key Characteristics and Figures of the Second Great Awakening: A Diverse Movement

The Second Great Awakening wasn't a monolithic movement; instead, it was characterized by diverse approaches and regional variations. Several key characteristics defined this period:

• Emphasis on Emotional Experience: Unlike the more intellectual and theological focus of the First Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening stressed emotional conversion experiences. Revival meetings, often held outdoors and featuring passionate preaching, aimed to evoke powerful emotional responses in attendees, leading to dramatic conversions and professions of faith.
• Camp Meetings: These large-scale outdoor gatherings drew thousands of participants, creating a sense of communal religious experience and fostering social connections across class and regional boundaries. The sheer scale of these events demonstrates the widespread appeal of the Second Great Awakening.
• Rise of New Denominations: The Second Great Awakening led to the establishment of new denominations and the growth of existing ones. Methodism, with its emphasis on itinerant preachers and personal piety, experienced explosive growth during this period. Baptists also saw a significant increase in membership, spreading their influence throughout the South and West.
• Focus on Social Reform: The religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening fueled various social reform movements. The emphasis on individual responsibility and the belief in the perfectibility of humanity inspired activists to tackle social ills such as slavery, temperance, and women's rights. This connection between religious revivalism and social action is a critical element of the Second Great Awakening's legacy.

Several prominent figures spearheaded the Second Great Awakening:

• Charles Grandison Finney: A lawyer-turned-preacher, Finney was a master of revival techniques. His emphasis on individual responsibility and the possibility of immediate salvation resonated deeply with many. He championed the idea of "anxious benches," where those struggling with their faith could sit and receive counsel.
• Lyman Beecher: A prominent Congregationalist minister, Beecher was a staunch advocate for temperance and moral reform. He played a crucial role in mobilizing religious support for various social causes.
• Joshua Beecher: Lyman Beecher's son and a prominent abolitionist preacher who eloquently condemned slavery.
• Peter Cartwright: A powerful Methodist circuit rider who travelled extensively throughout the frontier, converting many to Methodism through his passionate preaching.
• Barton W. Stone: A Presbyterian minister who became a key figure in the Restoration Movement, which emphasized the unity of all Christians and the restoration of the early church.

The Second Great Awakening and Social Reform: A Moral Imperative

The religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening directly influenced numerous social reform movements. The belief that humanity could be perfected and that individuals held a moral responsibility to improve society provided the impetus for tackling various social issues:

• Abolitionism: Many religious leaders and followers saw slavery as a moral evil that contradicted Christian teachings. The Second Great Awakening helped to galvanize the abolitionist movement, with prominent figures like William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass utilizing religious rhetoric to argue for emancipation.
• Temperance Movement: Concerns about the social and moral consequences of alcohol consumption led to the rise of the temperance movement, which sought to curb or eliminate alcohol consumption. Religious figures played a significant role in promoting temperance, viewing it as a crucial step towards societal improvement.
• Women's Rights Movement: The Second Great Awakening empowered women in several ways. Women played a significant role in revival meetings and social reform efforts, challenging traditional gender roles. The experience of participating actively in religious and social spheres laid the groundwork for the burgeoning women's rights movement.
• Education Reform: The Second Great Awakening highlighted the importance of education as a means of moral and intellectual development. The establishment of numerous colleges and seminaries, fueled by the desire to train ministers and educate the populace, reflects this emphasis on education.

The Second Great Awakening and Politics: A Nation Divided

The Second Great Awakening's influence extended to the political realm, shaping political discourse and contributing to the growing sectional divisions in the United States:

• Rise of Evangelical Politics: The strong moral convictions of many involved in the Second Great Awakening led to their engagement in political activism. They often advocated for policies that aligned with their religious beliefs, such as temperance laws and abolition of slavery.
• Sectional Divisions: The Second Great Awakening contributed to the deepening sectional divide between the North and the South. The issue of slavery became increasingly politicized, with religious leaders in the North often championing abolition, while those in the South defended the institution. This religious division reflected and exacerbated existing political and economic disparities.
• Rise of Transcendentalism: A philosophical movement that emerged partially in response to the Second Great Awakening, transcendentalism emphasized individual intuition and spiritual experience over established religious dogma. While not directly a product of the Great Awakening, it reflected the growing emphasis on personal spiritual experience and the questioning of traditional authority.

The Second Great Awakening and the Shaping of American Identity: A Lasting Legacy

The Second Great Awakening profoundly impacted the development of American identity. It fostered a sense of national unity based on shared religious values, while simultaneously highlighting the growing sectional tensions. The emphasis on individual experience and moral responsibility shaped American political and social thought, laying the groundwork for future reform movements and social change. The religious fervor of this period also contributed to the development of a uniquely American form of Protestantism, characterized by its emphasis on emotional experience, social activism, and democratic ideals. The influence of the Second Great Awakening can be seen in the various social and political movements of the 19th century and beyond. Its legacy continues to be debated and analyzed as scholars grapple with its complex and multifaceted impact on American society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between the First and Second Great Awakenings? The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) was more intellectual and theological, focused on the doctrines of grace and salvation. The Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s) emphasized emotional conversion experiences and personal piety, leading to a broader range of religious and social reforms. The Second Great Awakening also reached a far wider audience geographically.

• How did the Second Great Awakening impact westward expansion? The Second Great Awakening fueled westward expansion by providing religious justification for settling new territories. Missionaries and preachers traveled westward, establishing churches and converting Native Americans and settlers alike. The revivalist energy also spurred the creation of new communities and provided a sense of shared purpose and belonging for those venturing into unfamiliar territories.

• Was the Second Great Awakening entirely positive? While the Second Great Awakening spurred significant social reforms and fostered a sense of national unity, it also had negative consequences. The emphasis on individual experience sometimes led to social fragmentation and the reinforcement of existing social hierarchies. Furthermore, the revivalist energy sometimes overshadowed critical thinking and led to the suppression of dissenting opinions. The issue of slavery, while addressed by some, also demonstrated the limitations of the movement's ability to overcome deeply ingrained social and economic systems.

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence later reform movements? The emphasis on social reform, individual responsibility, and the belief in the perfectibility of humanity, all hallmarks of the Second Great Awakening, significantly influenced later reform movements such as the women's suffrage movement, the labor movement, and the civil rights movement. These later movements built upon the groundwork laid by the earlier religious and social activism.

Conclusion: A Transformative Era

The Second Great Awakening was a pivotal period in American history. Its impact resonated far beyond the realm of religion, shaping the nation's social, political, and cultural landscape in profound ways. By understanding its causes, characteristics, and consequences, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of American history and the enduring legacy of religious revivalism. The movement's focus on individual experience, its contributions to social reform, and its influence on the development of American identity continue to be subjects of scholarly inquiry and debate. The Second Great Awakening remains a critical component of understanding the development of the United States in the 19th century and its continuing evolution. Its legacy continues to shape discussions on faith, social justice, and the role of religion in public life.