Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

What did the Second Great Awakening demand?

1. Great industrialization of the eastern United States

2. Spiritual revival and a significant amount of social reform

3. Less power in the state governments to make important decisions

4. A greater reliance on science

The correct answer is: Spiritual revival and a significant amount of social reform

The Second Great Awakening was a significant religious revival movement that emerged in the United States during the early 19th century. It emphasized personal faith, emotional engagement in religion, and the need for individuals to seek personal salvation. This movement inspired not only a resurgence in religious fervor but also called for considerable social reform. One of the hallmarks of the Second Great Awakening was its link to various reform movements such as abolitionism, temperance, women's rights, and education reform. These movements sought to address social injustices and moral issues of the time, reflecting the awakening's broader demand for societal change alongside individual spiritual revival. The push for a better society was deeply intertwined with the revivalist spirit, as people felt morally compelled to reform their communities and the nation. In contrast, the other options don't encompass the core demands of the Second Great Awakening. For instance, while industrialization was occurring during this period, it was not a central demand of the movement. Similarly, discussions around state power or the reliance on science were not predominant themes associated with the Second Great Awakening; rather, the focus was primarily on spiritual matters and sociocultural reform endeavors.