Final answer:
The Second Great Awakening was a religious movement that emphasized individual responsibility and the desire to seek salvation through free will. It influenced American culture and various reform movements, such as the anti-slavery and women's rights movements. The movement had lasting influences on society, contributing to the revitalization of religious fervor and promoting the idea of individual agency for social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second Great Awakening was a religious movement that began in the 1790s and gained momentum in the early 19th century. It emphasized individual responsibility and the desire to seek salvation through free will. This movement had a significant impact on American culture and influenced various aspects of life in the United States.
One of the key elements of the Second Great Awakening was its emphasis on religious conversion and the pursuit of a personal relationship with God. It encouraged individuals to actively seek out their own salvation, promoting a sense of individual agency and responsibility. This message resonated with people from all walks of life, including men, women, slaves, and free blacks.
The movement also led to the emergence of new Protestant denominations, such as the Baptists and Methodists, which grew in strength and numbers. Church membership doubled between 1800 and 1835 as more Americans became regular churchgoers. Additionally, various reform movements were inspired by the Second Great Awakening, including the anti-slavery movement and the women's rights movement.
The Second Great Awakening had lasting influences on American society. It contributed to the revitalization of religious fervor and brought about significant changes in American culture. Organizations like the American Bible Society and the American Tract Society were formed to promote religious revival and distribute religious materials. The movement's emphasis on individual agency and the pursuit of salvation also laid the groundwork for later social and political movements, as people began to recognize the power of collective action and the potential for social change.