Intellectual development is reflected in the creation, development and eventual preference for a specific type of government or representation in the society. Consequently, this period of intellectual development helped promote the freedom and social order, as more forms of representation and governance were developed and implemented in American society. Republicanism's eventual dominance over other governments and political ideologies, however, reflects the society's need to preserve and champion their individual freedoms and at the same time, maintain social order despite people's political differences and beliefs.
The Great Awakening emerged as an ideology, a religious movement that embodied social order and served as a precursor to the American Revolution (declared in the late 18th century). This revivalist religious movement in American history paved the way for an "open and undisguised Unitarianism" among different Christian sects and churches in America. While there was still diversity among churches and sects, the Great Awakening improved the "religious experience" of Americans, allowing them to make better judgments and choices on their religious -- and inevitably, political -- beliefs and views (Tracy, 1842:403). In addition, religion as a major political force during this period inevitably contributed to the growth of republicanism as an ideology. Thus, the Great Awakening reinforced the republican theme of unity and social order.
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