The Enlightenment emphasizes reason and science as the path to knowledge Based on Natural laws of the
universe developed by scientists; such as gravity
Enlightenment thinkers stressed observation or experimentation as the means to understanding the world
Thinkers such as John Locke applied natural laws to societies.
Ideas about natural rights and government influenced leaders
Movement began in Europe Knowledge, reason, & science
could improve society Schools of higher learning open
across America
Ben Franklin - Best known colonial American scientist
Benjamin Franklin:
The American Renaissance Man
• Ben Franklin – American thinker, diplomat, and inventor
• John Locke – Men are all rational and capable people (Natural Rights)
• Life, Liberty, & Property
– Government must work for the people to protect Natural Rights
• William Blackstone Said that human laws were natural like laws of science, simply
waiting to be discovered; believed that because Man was created by God, he was granted
fundamental rights by God;
known as father of English Common Law
• Baron Charles de Montesquieu – Division of state (federalism) and separation of powers
Before 1730s, most colonies had established religions:
Congregationalists: New England
(basically Puritans)
Anglicans:
New York and Southern Colonies
(same as Church of England)
In the Early 1700s, many colonists lost the religious passion that had driven Pilgrims, Puritans and others to seek out a new life in America
1730s-1740 a religious revival began to sweep through the colonies lead by travelling ministers
“New birth” is ultimate religious experience
Followers accept that they are sinners and ask for salvation.
Great Awakening said anyone could be converted or “born again”; you didn’t need traditional church leadership to decide if you belong.
Great Awakening challenged authority and hierarchy of
established churches
“Old Lights”: Congregationalists and Anglicans).
Churches that grew as a result of the Great Awakening
“New Lights” : Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptist
Began in the New England Colonies and spread.
Travelling ministers preached that inner religious emotion was more important that outward behavior.
The Sermons appealed to the heart/emotions and drew large crowds
George Whitefield
Jonathan Edwards
Central Question:
Why was George Whitefield so popular?
Encouraged ideas of equality and the right to challenge authority
These ideas inspired future generations to challenge the authority of the English government
Lead to the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence
Answer the central question:
Why was George Whitefield so popular?
Answer on the back of the RLAH graphic organizer sheet.
Your answer should be in complete sentences, include an assertion (you answer), and you should back it up with evidence from the documents
Your answer should be at least a paragraph in length
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