What was the Great Awakening primarily characterized by?

The Great Awakening is primarily characterized by religious revival and emotionalism, which marked a significant movement in American history during the 18th century. This period was distinguished by intense religious fervor and the proliferation of new denominations, emphasizing personal faith and emotional connection to the divine. Leaders of the Great Awakening, such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield, were known for their passionate preaching styles, which often stirred deep emotional responses among congregants. This revivalist trend encouraged individuals to seek a personal and direct relationship with God, moving away from established religious institutions that were viewed as overly formal or disconnected from personal spiritual experiences.

The movement also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and shared experience among disparate groups in the colonies, contributing to the development of a uniquely American identity that valued individualism and personal belief. This emphasis on emotional engagement and personal conviction had a lasting impact on American religion and paved the way for other social movements by promoting the idea that individuals could affect change through their beliefs and actions.