The First Great Awakening was a religious revival that took place in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and a direct relationship with God, challenging traditional religious practices. Key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield played significant roles in spreading these ideas through passionate sermons. This movement led to the growth of new denominations and increased religious diversity in America. It encouraged individuals to seek personal salvation and fostered a sense of unity among colonists, laying the groundwork for future social and political changes in the years leading up to the American Revolution.