Awakening is a religious revival that brings social and political effects. For example, The Great Awakening that occurred in America from 1740 to 1770 democratized Christianity in the colonies and prepared the way for the American Revolution. This occurred by the rise of Evangelical ministers (often ordinary Christians) who attracted more public attention than the established clergy. This broke down the hierarchy and authority of the church, increased democratic self-government of the congregations, and prepared the American mind for political democracy. Whether attributed to divine inspiration or social change, the massive religious conversions, deepened morality, and individual responsibility of such revivals always have social and political consequences.

After the American Revolution (1776) and ratification of the United States Constitution (1787), another religious revival occurred, commonly called the Second Great Awakening. Lasting from 1790 to 1830, this move of the Holy Spirit spread across the western frontier (e.g., Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio) where Americans were moving to new farmland. Like its predecessor, this Awakening caused massive conversions to Christianity, a strong democratic movement in the churches, and an increase in personal morality and piety. It saved the country from a social and moral breakdown that followed the disappearance of the old British imperial social structure and allowed a social economic freedom based in individual ethical conduct. This fueled various social reform movements, such as the prohibition of alcohol and the abolition of slavery. While the Great Awakening of the mid 1700s occurred primarily in the existing churches (Presbyterian, Anglican, Congregational), the Second Great Awakening spawned new evangelical denominations (Baptist, Methodist), which soon became the largest churches in the United States. Relying more on ordinary Christians, emphasizing "the priesthood of all believers," these religious awakenings diminished the monopoly of ordained clergy on church leadership and increased the democratic culture in U.S. religion. This, in turn, spread an egalitarian and democratic worldview in other aspects of society, especially politics, business, and the family.

Similar religious revivals or awakenings have occurred throughout the West (e.g., Savonarola in 15th century Florence, Italy; the Moravians in 18th century Germany; Methodists in 18th century Britain) with political ramifications. Usually, they are aimed at attacking individual immorality and political corruption, causing personal and social transformations.

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