What was the religious movement in the 1730s and 1740s that united the Thirteen Colonies through emotional preaching?

The Great Awakening was a significant religious movement that emerged in the 1730s and 1740s throughout the Thirteen Colonies. It is characterized by its emphasis on emotional preaching and personal religious experience, which encouraged individuals to pursue a direct relationship with God rather than through established church doctrine. This movement mobilized various congregations and led to the formation of new denominations, while also promoting themes of egalitarianism and democratization of religion.

In contrast, the Enlightenment was a cultural movement that emphasized reason and scientific thought, while the Second Great Awakening occurred later, primarily in the early 19th century, and had its own unique set of characteristics and impacts. The Puritan Movement refers to earlier religious reforms within the Church of England and does not fit the timeframe or nature of the events associated with the Great Awakening. Therefore, the Great Awakening stands out as the correct response for this question due to its unifying impact on the colonies through emotional and impassioned preaching.