The early 19th century in the United States witnessed a period of religious revivalism that profoundly impacted American society and culture. This era, characterized by fervent preaching, emotional conversion experiences, and the proliferation of new denominations, is a key concept for understanding American history. It refers to a widespread religious movement that sought to revitalize faith and address social issues through evangelical Protestantism.
This resurgence fostered significant social reforms, including the temperance movement, abolitionism, and efforts to improve education and prison conditions. Its emphasis on individual responsibility and moral improvement shaped the national identity and contributed to a growing sense of social consciousness. It fueled the growth of voluntary associations and reform movements designed to address perceived societal ills, and significantly altered the religious landscape of the nation, shifting religious dominance and contributing to new social and political alignments.
