Final answer:
The Great Awakening fostered distrust in institutional authority and emphasized personal liberty, which contributed to the revolutionary fervor leading to the American Revolution. It paralleled political democratization and encouraged egalitarian thought that influenced revolutionary ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Great Awakening on Revolutionary Fervor
The Great Awakening was a powerful religious movement that had significant social consequences in the American colonies. These consequences were particularly influential in promoting revolutionary fervor later on. One major impact was the distrust of institutionalized authority that the movement fostered among colonists. This skepticism of authority figures contributed to the colonists' willingness to challenge British control during the American Revolution. Moreover, the Awakening encouraged an ethos of personal liberty and responsibility, aligning with the emerging democratic ideals that characterized the revolutionary period.
The religious revival emphasized individual salvation and the message that salvation was accessible to all through free will. This democratization of religion mirrored the political democratization that was occurring, as colonists began advocating for greater autonomy and democratic governance. It is worth noting, however, that the movement had different manifestations, becoming more conservative and supporting slavery in the South, while in the North and areas like the 'Burned-Over District', it reached its height and influenced the desire for social reforms and the improvement of society.
Through large gatherings and emotional preaching, figures like Peter Cartwright and Charles Grandison Finney created a sense of empowerment among attendees, further reinforcing the belief in individual agency. The Awakening's emphasis on social justice and morality also contributed to the development of egalitarian political thought, laying the groundwork for the arguments for equality and natural rights that became central to the Revolution.