Revolutionary Literature Julie W. Jordan American Literature/Composition

Literature The literature of the time period switches from private/religious to public/political. Most writers had to pay to publish their writings. Writing contained sound reasoning and logical thoughts.

The Age of Reason The Age of Reason occurred during the 18 th century. Reason and rationality will replace mysticism and faith. The Scientific Revolution will occur during this time as well.

The Enlightenment This period was marked by reason over faith and scientific inquiry over religious dogma. Writers/thinkers were devoted to justice, liberty and equality.

Stamp Act of 1765 This placed a tax on every printed piece of paper a colonist used. It was seen as an attempt to raise money by taxing the colonies. Resistance was imperative.

The Townshend Acts of 1767 After the repeal of the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts placed taxes on paint, lead, glass, paper and tea. All but the tea tax will be repealed after Boston merchants boycotted.

Boston Massacre, 1770 In response to Boston’s boycott of the Townshend Acts, British troops were sent to Boston. A street fight occurred and shots were fired. Five Americans were killed.

Boston Tea Party The Townshend Acts will be repealed except for the Tea Tax. As a result, a group of men will dress as Mohawks and dump a shipment of tea into Boston Harbor.

Coercive Acts, 1774 As punishment for the Boston Tea Party, the Coercive Acts (or Intolerable Acts) will be passed. They were supposed to restore order. They will lead to war.

Lexington & Concord, 1775 On April 19, 1775, British troops will encounter colonial militiamen. The shot fired first became known as the “shot heard round the world.” It will kick off the American Revolution.

Yorktown, Virginia, 1781 The war will end on October 19, The siege of Yorktown will culminate with the British surrender to combined American and French forces under General George Washington.

Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation created a league of friendship among the states. The articles were written to give the colonies a sense of a unified government.

The Constitution of the United States A firmer document was needed to replace the Articles of Confederation, so the Constitution was created. This document creates a model for cooperative government.

Patrick Henry, Protested British tyranny Symbol of American struggle for liberty Five-term governor of Virginia Delivered the famous "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech.

Thomas Paine, Failed out of school at the age of 12. Met Benjamin Franklin in London in 1774 and emigrated to America. Wrote the American Crisis which inspired a flagging army during the Revolutionary War.

Thomas Jefferson, Credited with writing the Declaration of Independence. Planter/lawyer Well-educated and inherited wealth from his family Becomes 3 rd president of the United States

Benjamin Franklin, Franklin was a noted speaker, politician, inventor, diplomat, scientist, writer, etc. (a true Renaissance man) Helped with the writing of the Declaration of Independence