The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze an aspect of American history. Specifically it will compare the ways religion shaped development of colonial society in 1740s New England, Chesapeake, and the Mid-Atlantic. Religion shaped development in these areas in a wide variety of ways, and the most important religious development during this time was the “Great Awakening.” The “Great Awakening” was an important event in American history and religious history. This meant more freedom in religion and in religious beliefs. This has been called a time of revival.