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Great Awakening — Reading Comprehension

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HSS 5.4.7
RI.4.1

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This engaging passage explores the Great Awakening, a powerful religious movement in colonial America during the 1730s and 1740s. Students will learn how preachers like Jonathan Edwards inspired emotional church services, changing how colonists viewed religion and authority. The narrative highlights key vocabulary such as revival, sermons, and religious freedom, and explains the cause-and-effect relationships that led to lasting changes in American society. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline of major events. The passage is aligned to HSS 5.4.7 and RI.4.1, and is available with read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation, making it accessible for all learners. This comprehensive resource helps students build historical understanding while developing literacy skills. Keywords: Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, colonial America, revival, religious freedom, history reading passage.

CONTENT PREVIEW

George Whitefield preaching to a large, emotional crowd during the Great Awakening. — George Whitefield passionately preaches to an enraptured crowd during the Great Awakening.

The Great Awakening was a major religious movement in colonial America during the 1730s and 1740s. This time changed how many people thought about religion and freedom. The movement began when preachers started giving powerful, emotional sermons in churches and public places. These revivals attracted large crowds and made people feel excited about their faith.

One of the most famous preachers was Jonathan Edwards. He spoke in a way that made people think deeply about their lives and beliefs. His most well-known sermon was called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Edwards wanted people to feel a personal connection with God, not just follow old rules. Many people cried, shouted, or prayed during these meetings. The emotion in these services was new for many colonists.

The Great Awakening spread quickly through the colonies. People came from far away to listen to the preachers. Sometimes entire towns would gather for days to hear messages about faith and hope. The movement also encouraged people to ask questions about their leaders and how churches were run. This helped spread the idea of religious freedom, letting people choose how they wanted to worship.

As more people joined the movement, new churches and groups formed. Some broke away from their old churches and started their own places to worship. This led to more choices for people who did not agree with the old ways. The Great Awakening helped people believe they could think for themselves, even about important things like religion and government.

This movement also brought different groups together. People from different backgrounds and colonies met at revivals. This helped build a sense of unity among the colonists. Over time, these new ideas about freedom and equality influenced the way people thought about their rights. Some historians say the Great Awakening helped prepare colonists for the American Revolution by making them believe in change and independence.

Interesting Fact: George Whitefield, another famous preacher, traveled up and down the colonies and spoke to thousands of people at a time outdoors, which was very unusual for that period.

When did the Great Awakening happen?

1730s-1740s1600s1800s1770s

Who was a famous preacher?

Jonathan EdwardsGeorge WashingtonBenjamin FranklinPaul Revere

What did people feel at revivals?

Strong emotionBoredomAngerConfusion

Why were revivals important?

They brought unityThey taught farmingThey made new lawsThey started wars

How did the Great Awakening change religion?

Gave more choicesClosed all churchesStopped prayingEnded freedom

What idea spread from the movement?

Religious freedomMore taxesNo leadersFewer schools