What was the great awakening?

The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, particularly during the 1730s and 1740s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and a direct relationship with God, often challenging established religious authority. Key figures included preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, who inspired many to seek a more personal connection to spirituality, leading to increased church membership and the growth of new denominations.