The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, particularly between the 1730s and 1740s. It emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and a direct relationship with God, challenging traditional religious authority and practices. Key figures included Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, who preached passionately and attracted large crowds. This movement led to the growth of new denominations and increased religious diversity in the colonies. It also encouraged a sense of individualism and questioning of established institutions, laying the groundwork for future social and political changes in America.