APUSH Second Great Awakening: Essential Facts You Need

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APUSH Second Great Awakening: Essential Facts You Need

The Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revivalism in the United States from roughly 1790 to 1840, significantly impacted American society and culture. It wasn't just about religion; it fueled social reform movements and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity leading up to the Civil War. This article covers essential facts you need to know for your APUSH studies.

Understanding the Context: A Nation in Transition

Before diving into the specifics of the Second Great Awakening, it's vital to understand the historical context. The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw rapid changes in America:

• Westward Expansion: The nation was expanding rapidly, leading to new settlements and a diverse population. This expansion created a need for religious institutions and challenged existing ones.
• Rise of Democracy: The rise of democratic ideals challenged traditional social hierarchies and power structures. Religious movements often aligned with, or challenged, these evolving political landscapes.
• Rationalism's Influence: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and logic had begun to challenge traditional religious beliefs. The Second Great Awakening was, in part, a reaction against this intellectual trend.

Key Characteristics of the Second Great Awakening

The Second Great Awakening differed from the First Great Awakening in several key aspects:

• Emphasis on Emotion and Experience: Unlike the more intellectual and theological focus of the First Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening emphasized emotional experiences and personal conversion. Powerful preaching and revival meetings were central to the movement.
• Camp Meetings and Revivals: Large-scale outdoor revival meetings, often lasting for days, were a defining feature. These gatherings fostered a sense of community and collective religious experience. Think of them as the "rock concerts" of their time, but with sermons instead of guitar solos.
• Focus on Personal Salvation: The movement stressed the importance of individual responsibility for one's salvation and the possibility of achieving redemption through faith and repentance. This resonated with a population seeking meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
• Rise of New Denominations: The Second Great Awakening led to the growth of new denominations, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and various branches of Methodism and Baptist churches. These new groups often offered a more egalitarian approach to religious practice than established churches.

Key Figures of the Second Great Awakening:

Several influential figures shaped the religious landscape during this time:

• Charles Finney: A prominent Presbyterian minister known for his powerful revivalist preaching and emphasis on individual conversion. His techniques greatly influenced the spread of the movement.
• Joseph Smith: The founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose vision and teachings attracted numerous followers, ultimately leading to the establishment of a unique and powerful religious community.
• Other Notable Preachers: Numerous other preachers, both men and women, contributed to the movement's success through their passionate sermons and charismatic leadership. Their names may not be as widely recognized today, but their impact was undeniable.

Impact and Legacy: Beyond the Pulpit

The Second Great Awakening's impact extended far beyond the religious sphere:

• Social Reform Movements: The emphasis on individual morality and social responsibility fueled various reform movements, including abolitionism, temperance, and women's rights. Religious fervor provided the moral impetus for these social change initiatives.
• Rise of Transcendentalism: The emphasis on individual intuition and spiritual experience influenced the development of Transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that celebrated individual freedom and the power of nature.
• Development of American Identity: The Second Great Awakening helped shape a distinctly American religious identity, one that was both deeply spiritual and committed to social reform.

Preparing for your APUSH Exam: Key Takeaways

To ace your APUSH exam on the Second Great Awakening, remember these crucial points:

• Context matters: Understand the socio-political context of the time and how it contributed to the rise of the movement.
• Key characteristics: Know the defining features of the Second Great Awakening, including its emphasis on emotion, revivals, and individual salvation.
• Impact and legacy: Understand the far-reaching effects of the movement on social reform, intellectual thought, and the development of American identity.

By focusing on these key areas, you'll be well-prepared to discuss the Second Great Awakening's significance in your APUSH exam and beyond. Remember to consult your textbook and other reliable resources for further in-depth information. Good luck!