What was a significant impact of the Great Awakening on American society?

The Great Awakening had a profound effect on American society by strengthening colonial unity and encouraging the questioning of authority. This religious revival, which took place in the early to mid-18th century, inspired individuals to seek personal connections with faith rather than adhering strictly to established religious practices and authorities. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield emphasized personal piety and emotional experiences, leading to a movement that transcended regional and denominational lines.

As people from different backgrounds came together within the framework of this revivalist sentiment, a sense of common identity and purpose emerged among the colonies. This increased interaction among various groups helped to foster a spirit of equality and a skepticism toward traditional hierarchies, which would later play a crucial role in the revolutionary sentiments that contributed to the American Revolution. The questioning of existing authority was not just confined to religious structures but began to spill over into political and social realms, setting the stage for a collective push for independence and self-governance.