The Great Awwakenings

The term Great Awakening is used to refer to three periods of religious revival in American religious history. Historians and theologians identify three of increased religious enthusiasm occurring between the early 18th century and the late 19th century.
Each of these "Great Awakenings" was characterized by widespread revivals led by evangelical Protestant ministers, a sharp increase of interest in religion, a profound sense of conviction and redemption on the part of those affected, an increase in evangelical church membership, and the formation of new religious movements and denominations.
The First Great Awakening began in the 1730s and lasted to about 1743, but largely only among the educated elite of New England, these concepts ushered in the period of the American Revolution. This contributed to create a demand for religious freedom
The Second began in the late 18th Century and continued until the mid-19th Century, it was especially strong in the Northeast and the Midwest. This awakening was unique in that it moved beyond the educated elite of New England to those who were less wealthy and less educated. In addition to a religious movement, others grew.
The temperance movement encouraged people to abstain from consuming alcoholic drinks in order to preserve family order. The abolition movement fought to abolish slavery in the United States. The women's rights movement grew from female abolitionists who realized that they too could fight for their own political rights. In addition to these causes, reforms touched nearly every aspect of daily life, such as restricting the use of tobacco and dietary and dress reforms. The abolition movement emerged in the North from the wider Second Great Awakening 1800-1840.
The Third Great Awakening in 1850s-1900s was characterized by new denominations, very active missionary work, and the Social Gospel approach to social issues. The effects of such an awakening are immeasurable. It resulted in the addition of...