The Second Great Awakening was a period of religious revival in the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by widespread conversion inspired by emotional, ecstatic revivals led by evangelical Protestant ministers. It brought about a democratization of religion through the proliferation of new denominations and sects competing for membership. Prominent figures who led the Second Great Awakening included Lyman Beecher, Asahel Nettleton, and camp meetings, which were emotional mass gatherings that contributed to religious conversions. The religious revival had wide-ranging effects on reform movements and American identity by increasing church membership and participation in religious life.
2. GLOSSARY DEFINITION
Second Great Awakening- Religious revival characterized
by emotional mass "camp meetings" and widespread
conversion. Brought about a democratization of religion as
a multiplicity of denominations vied for members.
Source: AP Textbook
3. LYMAN BEECHER
(OCT. 12, 1775 - JAN. 10, 1863)
Lyman Beecher was a Presbyterian minister, American Temperance Society co-founder and
a father of 13 children.
Achieved in national fame as reformer, educator, and central figure in theological
controversies.
A leader of the Second Great Awakening of the United States.
The college president, Timothy Dwight, influenced his religious beliefs and enthusiasm
for revivalism.
In 1799 he was ordained as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at East Hampton, Long
Island, NY.
In 1826, he became pastor of the Hanover Street Church of Boston which resulted him in
spiritual awakening and his reputation to defend Orthodoxy against Unitarianism.
Source: http://www.nndb.com/people/095/000100792/
5. ASAHEL NETTLETON
(APRIL 21, 1783 - MAY 16, 1844)
Asahel Nettleton was an American theologian and pastor from
Connecticut who was highly influential during the Second Great
Awakening.
By the time he graduated, his theological beliefs were settled.
He believed that "man was dead in sin" and "conversion was the
work of God, not man."
His aim in preaching was to convince his audience the reality and
horror of sin.
Source: http://www.ccwonline.org/anettel.html
7. CAMP MEETING
The first camp meeting was
held in Kentucky, on July of
1800 by Rev. James McCready.
Source:
http://www.teachushistory.or
g/second-great-awakening-
age-
Methodist camp meeting reform/articles/religious-
of the Second Great revivals-revivalism-1830s-
Awakening, 1839
new-england
Source: Google Images
8. REFORM/CHANGE GOING ON IN AMERICA
Americans began to bring back interest of their religions.
There was a large increase in numbers of church memberships,
missionary zeal at home and abroad, and the proliferation of
religious meetings during the week.
Religious Movements
Reform Movements such as temperance, abolition, and women's
rights.
Source: http://www.teachushistory.org/second-great-awakening-age-
reform/articles/religious-revivals-revivalism-1830s-new-england
Source: http://www.teachushistory.org/second-great-awakening-age-
reform
9. HOW DID THE SECOND GREAT AWAKENING AFFECT
AMERICA?
The Second Great Awakening was an emphasis on personal
beliefs over school and theology. It arose in several places
and in several active forms: social activism and
movements.
10. HOW DID THE SECOND GREAT AWAKENING
AFFECT THE OVERALL AMERICAN IDENTITY?
Many Americans were involved in the Second Great Awakening. It
affected everyone in general. More Americans began to bring
back interests in their religion, memberships of churches, and
attend town meetings during the week. In a website, it said,
"Participants in revivals ascribed their occurrence and success to
the workings of the Holy Spirit." The quote itself can mean
different things, but I think it means people began to see how the
society changes: the emotions of people, life, and those on the
frontiers.
Source: http://www.teachushistory.org/second-great-awakening-
age-reform/articles/religious-revivals-revivalism-1830s-new-
england
