Final answer:
The Great Awakening was a religious revival in the American colonies during the 18th century. It promoted individualism and personal salvation, shaping American society and contributing to the development of a unique American identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Awakening was a wave of religious revivalism in the American colonies during the 18th century. It was caused by a belief among Calvinists that the spiritual life of the colonists was endangered by their materialistic pursuits. This religious movement led to a distrust of institutional authority and a favoring of education and personal improvement.
The Great Awakening had consequences that shaped American society. It promoted a sense of individualism and personal salvation, which contributed to the development of a unique American identity. This religious revival also played a role in the formation of new religious denominations and influenced social and cultural movements, such as the anti-slavery movement.
Moreover, the Great Awakening was linked to the development of a sense of American uniqueness and identity because it challenged the authority of the established churches and stressed the importance of personal religious experience. This emphasis on individual spiritual connection and religious freedom helped shape the American ideals of liberty, independence, and self-determination.