The Second Great Awakening By Travis Knopf 1

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

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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