Colonial Culture How the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening changed people’s views about the world in the 1700s

Early Colonial Culture Education & Religion “Dame schools” (unmarried or widowed women taught classes in their houses) Some young men became apprentices (learning assistants) and became carpenters or blacksmiths Some girls worked as maids, cooks or nurses Life for colonial families revolved around family

The Enlightenment An intellectual movement that started in Europe in the late 1600s which suggested that science, reason, and knowledge could improve society.

Influence of the Enlightenment John Locke, an English philosopher argued that people had natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He argued that these rights had to be protected by the government and if the government did not do this then the people had a right to change the government. In time the colonists would begin to question if the king and British Parliament protected their rights

1706-1790 Benjamin Franklin Published Poor Richard’s Almanac Lightning rod Scientist open-minded Inventor statesman First lending Library Founded University of Pennsylvania Energetic Bifocals 1706-1790 Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin

What was the Great Awakening? 1720s to 1740s A religious revival that encouraged people to return to church for fear of punishment from God. Led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield

Jonathan Edwards

Causes & Effects of the Great Awakening People were not going to church A religious revival occurs Jonathan Edwards & George Whitefield scare people into to going back to church New religious groups develop More universities are built Idea of equality spreads Challenge authority Sense of American unity

Colleges

John Peter Zenger Freedom of the Press 1735 Editor for the New York Weekly Journal Wrote a report criticizing the governor of New York (William Cosby) Accused of libel (writing lies about the governor of New York)

The Zenger Trial

Freedom of the Press The right of the media (newspapers, television, radio) to express their thoughts and opinions and share information as long as it is based on facts.

People who make the newspapers What is the importance of freedom of the press in a democratic society? Quote by Benjamin Franklin: “Printers are educated in the belief that when men differ in opinion, both sides ought equally to have the advantage of being heard by the public.” 1731 (FREEDOM OF THE PRESS) People who make the newspapers All people have a right to express their opinions in the media