Question

How did the enlightenment and great awakening influence colonist?

Answer 1

These two cultural movements strengthened Anglo-American colonists' relationship with Great Britain. Both movements began in Europe but they had very different ideas: The Great Awakening promoted an emotional religiosity, while the Enlightenment encourage the pursuit of reason in all things.

The Great Awakening caused a split bewteen people who followed the evangelical message and the people who rejected it. The most significant effect of this Awakening was the rebellion against authoritarian religious rule. It had repercussions in cultural and political spheres as well. As a consequence of the Great Awakening, people believed they were more capable of interpreting God's will by themselves rather than doing it through bishops.

As regards The Enlightenment, Reason was the main source of authority and legitimacy. It also included ideas like liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government and separation of church and state.  American leaders were heavily influenced by this movement. It became the pholosophical basis of the American Revolution. Locke, Montesquieu and Hobbes were the principal Enlightenment thinkers who influenced the American Revolution and Constitution.