1. 1750-1800 (a time of military and political revolution) The Age of Reason (a.k.a Enlightenment)

2. When and where did the Age of Reason or Enlightenment begin? End of the 17 th Century; Europe Define Rationalism Truth can only be found with the use of reason (not from religious faith or emotion)

3. When did serious opposition to slavery arise in the colonies? During the Revolutionary War era Why is it logical that opposition would arise at that point in America’s history? Greater attention was given to the issues of human equality and human rights; 1780 the first measure was passed

4. Deism Beliefs God made it possible for all people at all times to discover the natural laws through their God-given power of reason The universe was orderly and good All people are perfectible through the use of reason God’s objective was the happiness of all Worship God by helping others

5. Deists Came from all religious backgrounds and did not support any specific religious group Sought the principles that united all religions Included many founders of our nation: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Thomas Paine

6. Why do we care about Rationalism and Deism? The American struggle for independence was justified largely by appeals to rationalist principles. Declaration of Independence is based on rationalist assumptions and about the relations between people, God and the law

7. Literature during the Age of Reason Rooted in reality Served practical or political ends (public writing) Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography is considered a masterpiece of this age He used the common Puritan autobiographical narrative and omitted its religious justification It marked the beginning of the self-made American theme in American literature (first rags to riches story)

8. Puritan CultureEnlightenment Culture Valued _______over reasonValued ______ over faith A contract with ______ formed the basis of government A______ contract among rational ______formed the basis of government Believe most people are______Believe people are inherently ______ Writing is ______inward lookingWriting is______, (persuasive) Write this down

9. Puritan CultureEnlightenment Culture Valued faith over reasonFaith over faith A contract with God formed the basis of government A social contract among rational men formed the basis of government Believe most people are sinnersBelieve people are inherently good Writing is private/personal, inward looking (simple/plain) Writing is public, political, (persuasive & complex)

10. How did Puritans view the rise of rationalism and how did it affect their culture? Rationalism threatened Puritan beliefs because they looked to God for all life matters; it caused the culture to change and eventually dissipate

11. What is a rationalist’s view of God? God endowed man with the gift of reason therefore everyone can improve his or her life. God does not interfere in the world of man Human history is marked by progress toward a more perfect existence.

12. Read the “Fast Facts” on pages 16 and 17 in your literature book about political and philosophical highlights from the 1600s to the mid 1700s