Early American Lit Up to the 1800s
Early Native Americans Tribes not united against the European exploration Tribes not united against the European exploration Many tribes helped the early colonies by showing them how to plant, build canoes, and other survival skills Many tribes helped the early colonies by showing them how to plant, build canoes, and other survival skills Many died due to diseases brought over from Europe Many died due to diseases brought over from Europe
Explorers Early writings from explorers like Columbus and de Coronado described the New World as peaceful, unlimited in wealth, and full of hospitable natives. Early writings from explorers like Columbus and de Coronado described the New World as peaceful, unlimited in wealth, and full of hospitable natives. Cabeza de Vaca got lost and wandered for 8 years. His journals are the best written record of life in pre-colony America Cabeza de Vaca got lost and wandered for 8 years. His journals are the best written record of life in pre-colony America
The Puritans Harsh and strict Harsh and strict Wanted to “purify” the Church of England Wanted to “purify” the Church of England Came over to set up societies that was patterned after God’s word. Came over to set up societies that was patterned after God’s word. Not the same as the Pilgrims, but close. Not the same as the Pilgrims, but close. Great emphasis on education – founded Harvard. Great emphasis on education – founded Harvard.
Salem Witch Trials During the winter of , two girls started having seizures. They blamed this on the actions of a witch. The girl accused of witchcraft confessed and named off other witches in the town. This began a vast witch hunt with the only evidence being the young girls’ accusations. During the winter of , two girls started having seizures. They blamed this on the actions of a witch. The girl accused of witchcraft confessed and named off other witches in the town. This began a vast witch hunt with the only evidence being the young girls’ accusations. Those who did not confess and point out other witches were hanged. Those who did not confess and point out other witches were hanged. A total of 150 people were convicted. 20 people were executed. A total of 150 people were convicted. 20 people were executed.
Symbolism in Life The belief that things that happen in life have meaning. The belief that things that happen in life have meaning.
The Age of Reason Rationalism – using reason to arrive at truth rather than rely on religious or past beliefs. Rationalism – using reason to arrive at truth rather than rely on religious or past beliefs. This belief turned America in to a powerhouse for new discoveries. This belief turned America in to a powerhouse for new discoveries. This occurred near the end of the 1600s. This occurred near the end of the 1600s.
The Smallpox Plague 1721 – outbreak in Boston 1721 – outbreak in Boston Cotton Mather, a Puritan involved in the witch trials, led the cause of inoculations to prevent and cure smallpox. This went against traditional Puritan views. Plus the idea came from a Muslim. Cotton Mather, a Puritan involved in the witch trials, led the cause of inoculations to prevent and cure smallpox. This went against traditional Puritan views. Plus the idea came from a Muslim. The inoculations worked and bridged the gap between the Puritans and the Age of Reason. The inoculations worked and bridged the gap between the Puritans and the Age of Reason.
Deism The belief that God made it possible for all people to discover natural laws through God’s gift of reason – nobody is needed to speak for God. The belief that God made it possible for all people to discover natural laws through God’s gift of reason – nobody is needed to speak for God. Stressed humanity’s goodness Stressed humanity’s goodness Practice this by doing the “greater good” Practice this by doing the “greater good” This mode of thinking eventually led to the formation of the Declaration of Independence This mode of thinking eventually led to the formation of the Declaration of Independence