The 2nd Great Awakening

By: Josh

Reasons Behind it

• It was seen by many religious leaders in the 1800’s that people had once again fallen away from their religious duties.

• With the westward expansion taking place it would become difficult to gather large numbers of people under a single building for a normal congregational meeting so the “Camp Meetings” were born to service all the moving pioneers during the westward expansion.

The Beginning

• The first of these meetings was the “Cane Ridge Revival” led by Barton Stone

• Barton Stone would end up leading a group called the “Stone-Campbell movement”

• He was originally a Presbyterian preacher• The 2nd Great awakening would last roughly from 1801

-1830

Important figures in the 2nd Great Awakening • Peter Cartwright ( Methodist)

• Was not in agreement with the popular notion of universal salvation.• Was known for his creative methods of convincing the pioneers of his

religious commitment • James McGready

• Became an incredible advocate in favor of the religious movements and hosted many of the first camp meetings

• Charles Finney (Presbyterian non-Calvinist) • While he was a Presbyterian he had many doubts of the religious doctrines• He moved to New York and became a minister in the burn out district

and his message reach hundreds • He later got involved in the abolitionist movements and became a

strong prominent figure among the preachers of the burn out diostrict.

Important figures in the 2nd Great Awakening•

Nathaniel William Taylor • Even as an educated individual of Yale, Taylor had strong

religious beliefs as well which were extended to many areas of his own influence.

• He objected to the old Calvinist belief of Determinism that every act is an act of god, he determined it immoral for people to not have any free will and sought to preserve human will.

• Ellen Gould White • Was seen as a prophet • Was the co-founder of the Millerite

Goals of the 2nd Great Awakening • To not only save the peoples souls for the life after, but

to reform the community for the better for the future of the nation.

• Bring people back into the religious circle of life.• Encourage westward expansion

Effects of the 2nd Great Awakening • Reform groups formed such as:

• Abolitionist groups• Temperance movements• Women's rights • Universal suffrage movements

• Multiple religious denominations flourished such as:• Methodist• Presbyterian • Baptists

• Created Social activism among the North populous