How did the Great Awakening and the Enlightenment help prompt Americans to challenge traditional sources of authority?

The Great Awakening fostered a spirit of individualism and emotional engagement with religion, encouraging people to question established religious authorities and interpret faith on their own terms. Meanwhile, the Enlightenment emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards traditional institutions, including government and monarchy. Together, these movements inspired Americans to critically evaluate and challenge the legitimacy of traditional sources of authority, paving the way for revolutionary ideas about democracy, personal liberty, and self-governance. This shift laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and the emergence of a more egalitarian society.