How did Pentecostalism begin in the United States?

Modern Pentecostalism emerged in the United States during the early 20th century, rooted in the Holiness movement and a desire to revive formalistic Protestant churches.1

The movement's watershed moment occurred in 1901 at Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas. Director Charles Fox Parham instructed students to seek an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, leading student Agnes Ozman to speak in tongues—an experience Parham identified as the "initial evidence" of Holy Spirit baptism.1

Wider expansion followed the 1906 Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, led by William Seymour. This interracial spiritual center attracted diverse followers and propelled the movement’s growth.1

As mainstream churches often rejected these charismatic practices, many believers withdrew to form independent congregations. By World War I, these groups began organizing into denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, to address administrative needs, doctrinal differences regarding sanctification and baptism, and political concerns.1