Introduction
The second Great Awakening was a period of religious revival in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. This movement profoundly affected society, politics, and culture, and it played a crucial role in shaping American identity. In order to effectively teach students about the changes brought about by this important era in history, educators must engage their students with the significant events, ideas, and consequences of the 2nd Great Awakening. In this article, we will explore strategies for teaching students about the pivotal changes made during this time.
1. Exploring Key Figures and Ideals
One of the most effective ways to teach students about the changes made by the 2nd Great Awakening is to focus on key figures and leaders who were responsible for inspiring people at that time. Introduce your students to influential preachers such as Charles Grandison Finney, Lyman Beecher, and Peter Cartwright. Encourage them to research these individuals’ personal stories, beliefs, and contributions to how people practiced and perceived religion.
Additionally, discuss the key ideals that emerged from the movement such as individualism, spiritual rebirth, self-improvement, and democratic principles. Help students understand how these ideas challenged traditional religious authority and fostered social change.
2. Examining Social Reforms
The 2nd Great Awakening contributed to numerous social reforms that aimed at improving society in various ways. Teachers should encourage students to explore well-known reform movements like temperance, abolitionism, women’s rights, education reform, and prison reform. This exploration will aid students in making connections between religious beliefs and real-world social change.
Prompt students to examine primary sources—such as speeches, sermons, journals or newspapers—where they can analyze how advocates of these movements communicated their messages and how they influenced public opinion.
3. Discussing Church Growth and Diversity
During the 2nd Great Awakening, membership in Protestant churches grew rapidly as people from various social and economic backgrounds sought to join religious communities. Discuss this growth with your students, and explain how new denominations such as Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian emerged and expanded throughout the nation.
This is also an excellent opportunity to explore the diversity in religious beliefs and practices that began during this period while addressing issues related to religious tolerance and pluralism.
4. Exploring the Lasting Impact on American Culture
Examine the lasting influence of the 2nd Great Awakening on American society and culture by discussing changes that can still be observed today. For instance, consider discussing how educational institutions like Oberlin College (founded on the principles of the 2nd Great Awakening) continue to shape the American educational landscape.
Moreover, explore how aspects of 19th-century reform movements—including women’s rights, civil rights, and temperance—continue to reverberate in contemporary social issues.
Conclusion
Teaching students about the changes made by the 2nd Great Awakening is an essential part of understanding 19th-century American history. By focusing on key figures and ideals, examining social reforms influenced by religious beliefs, exploring church growth and diversity, and discussing lasting impacts on American culture, educators can create engaging lessons that effectively impart a deeper understanding of this transformative historical period.
