Discussion and Conclusions

Abstract

This chapter shows how the Great Awakening laid the ideological and psychological foundation on which the American Revolution was built (particularly in the Southern Backcountry). This anti-establishment religious revival not only had a profound theological impact on the Protestant world but it also spurred significant sociopolitical changes throughout colonial North America (especially among the marginalized members of society). This chapter also documents from a cross-cultural perspective, how religion has served as a powerful catalyst for revolution. In order to illustrate this point, the following examples are highlighted: (1) the Celtic Druid revolt against Roman occupation of Britain, (2) the Maji–Maji Rebellion, and (3) the Mad Man’s War. Lastly, the ethical ramifications of neglecting the role that religion played in societal transformations is addressed.KeywordsReligious FactorUnite FrontAmerican RevolutionHistory TextbookSalient RoleThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.