“The impact of the Great Awakening c1720–c1760 was more social than political.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the impact of the Great Awakening was more social than political. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and political impact, or they may prioritize their discussion of either. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the social impact of revival meetings which united people from different regions and classes, the egalitarian impact of an emotional conversion experience which appealed to the poor and uneducated, and the religious schisms created by the Great Awakening that caused a loss of power for older sects and their leaders. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the emphasis the Awakening placed on equality that undermined the institution of slavery as well as deference to British authority and the political experience gained that was used to assert power against the colonial elites (with both contributing to the coming of the American Revolution), but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The impact of the Great Awakening was not selected by barely any candidates.