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New College renamed to Harvard College
Synonymous with social elitism, Harvard is the first institution of higher learning in America. Founded in 1636 by the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony, it was one of the first acts that could have influenced the Great Awakening. -
"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" by John Locke
In this landmark publication, John Locke describes the human mind as a tabula rasa (blank slate), which serves as the foundation for empiricism in philosophy. This document heavily influenced Jonathan Edwards at a young age, and therefore played an early part in the Great Awakening. -
Birth of Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was born in East Windsor, Connecticut. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential ministers during the Great Awakening. -
Birth of Benjamin Franklin
One of the founding fathers of the United States of America and a revolutionary hero, Benjamin Franklin was a close friend and business associate of George Whitefield, practically manufacturing Whitefield's celebrity status in the colonies through media publications. -
First American Presbytery
Convention held in Freehold Township, New Jersey, that outlinet he basis for what was to become the Presbyterian religion. The Presbyterian minister who was the first to practice this type of reformed religion was Francis Doughty (who was actually an English Puritan!) -
Birth of George Whitefield
George Whitefiled was born in Gloucester, England. After coming to American he spread Evangelicalism and was the most important figure of the Great Awakening, preaching to thousands of colonists in America. -
George Whitefield's First Sermon
The most influential preacher of the Great Awakening delivers his very first sermon, of many to come. It is estimated that he preached 18,000 formal sermons in his lifetime, 78 of which were officially published. -
A Faithful Narrative of the Surprizing Work of God by Johnathan Edwards
A document written about the Christian conversion that garnered Johnathan Edwards many followers and allies, including George Whitefield. It had a heavy impact on the Great Awakening and is described by modern-day evangelicals as a model for their churches. -
Methodism Begins In London
The Methodist church was founded as a parachurch in London. This means that they were an entity that was independent from the church. As we know, Methodism later becomes a full religion and eventually, after the death of John Wesley, becomes the largest denomination in America. -
James Davenport Removes His Pants
Influential preacher James Davenport, known for his odd actions when giving sermons, removes his pants and urges the others to do so and throw them into the fire. These actions caused his "spell" over audiences to break and he was harshly criticized. This is a famous example of how the emotional expressions of the Great Awakening were criticized by those of the Old Light mindset. -
Mercy Wheeler "Healed"
Mercy Wheeler, a handicapped woman, was miraculously able to walk again after listening to a revival sermon, evidence that the Great Awakening had a heavy impact on colonial America. -
Princeton Founded
Found in New Jersey by the Presbyterians as a ministerial school, Princeton has gone on to become one of the nation's most prestigious educational institutions. -
The Stamp Act
The first direct British tax was applied to colonists in America. Infuriated, the colonists managed to get the Act repealed; however, it was followed by the Declaratory Act, stating that Britain is superior and sending the colonies into a revolutionary fury. -
Boston Massacre
While the cause has been historically debated, the outcome is clear; after British troops fatally shoot five colonists, mistrust of their presence in America deepened immensely. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists dressed as Indians and asserted their infuriation over the recent taxes on tea by boarding a British ship, destroying crates of tea, and dumping them into the Boston harbor. This is one of the most famous acts of colonial defiance against the British empire during the Revolutionary era. -
First Continental Congress
A group of people met in secret to discuss The Intolerable Acts placed on them by the British. Attended by Benjamin Franklin (friend of George Whitefield!), this was a huge landmark for the rebellion to come. -
Battles of Lexington & Concord
The first armed conflicts of the Revolutionary War!!! These battles set the stage for a war that will result in American independence from Britain. -
Treaty of Paris
This treaty ends the Revolutionary War, as Britain officially and formally recognizes America's independence and releases it from its grip. -
Thomas Coke Baptized by John Wesley
This act makes the Methodist church separate from the Church of England. Significant because Methodism quickly became the largest denomination in America. -
US Constitution Ratified
Our governing document, that which includes the foundation of our government and our freedoms/rights, is signed and ratified into effect!
