Great Awakening

Reference to two religious revitalization movements that swept the English Colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, and the United States from 1800-1830, particularly along the Atlantic Coast.  Both movements left a permanent impact on American religion and evangelicalism.  In New England, the events challenged established authority, and reshaped the dominating churches.  The First Great Awakening focused on people who were already church members.  The Second Great Awakening focused on the unchurched.