The Second Great Awakening

By Travis Knopf1

Cane Ridge, KY 1801

One of the landmark events of the Second Great awakening, Cane Ridge was the site of a large camp meeting.

Members of various denominations congregated for an extensive religious service.

This was part of a new revivalist movement. This meant religions no longer relied on state authority, but simply it's congregation.

2

Revivalism

Revivalism played a huge role in the second great awakening.

Many believed religion could not survive in the west, where immigrants were flocking as the population grew.

Revivals took place to revitalize religion. With the unique, non-theocratic system that was America, religions competed for members.

3

But what is the Second Great Awakening???

It was marked by the increase of personal charity and the decrease of schooling and preaching. Religions emphasized the need for charity and helping others

The virtues of the middle class (a strong work ethic, frugality, temperance) were endorsed and legitimized.

The ability for individuals to amend their lives was emphasized.

People strived to alleviate injustice and suffering.

4

5

Camp meetings!

A camp meeting was, well it was a camp meeting!

Groups of people, of any faith, got together for what many could see as early hippie sessions. Only instead of doing hippie stuff, they preached and prayed!

It originated in Protestant Christianity

It was used as a common replacement for churches, due to the fact that churches were rare in the west.

6

Important names

Lyman Beecher

Henry ward Beecher

Charles Finney

Alexander Campbell

Richard Allen

Thomas Campbell

7

Lyman Beecher

Presbyterian minister

Influenced by Yale President, Timothy Dwight

Supported temperance

8

Henry Ward Beecher

Women's suffrage

Temperance

Darwin- evolution

Anti slavery

Anti bigotry

9

Charles Finney

Developed the "anxious seat"

Abolitionist

Christian perfectionism

Had women pray with men

10

Alexander Campbell

Believed baptism was a choice and not a mandate of the scripture

Founded Bethany college

Was a member of the disciples of Christ

11

Richard Allen

Born into slavery, he was freed after his owner was convinced of slavery being sinful

Created the first all black, independent church

12

Thomas Campbell

Disciples of Christ

Declaration and address of the Christian association of Washington

Failed in the mission for unity

13

Effects

The effects of the awakening was the creation of many new denominations.

A new template for religion was created, showing that separation between church and state works

This created a precedent for Europe.

14

Activity

You will be divided into groups where you will work on perfecting the main idea of the second great awakening: perfecting the soul so you may perfect society.

With your group, come up with ways you could fulfill the soul prt then fulfill the society part

Together as a class, we will debate the different solutions and come up with the best one.

15