1. The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening

2. What is the Enlightenment?
Movement in 1770s that emphasized reason and the scientific method to obtain knowledge
Came from Europe to the colonies
Spread through books and pamphlets
Enlightenment ideas especially poplar in New England colonies
Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson affected by Enlightenment ideas

3. John Locke
Believes people are born with natural rights of life and liberty
People should follow the government but if the government abuses their rights, the people should change the government
This is called “civil disobedience”

4. The Great Awakening
Concern that Protestants are not praying or attending church enough
Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield (ministers) travel through the colonies spreading the gospel
Goal: create a new emphasis on religion, rededicate themselves to God
These religious revivals encourage more interaction and cross boundaries with the African and Native American communities
Significance of the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening
Leads to questioning of traditional authority
Emphasizes the importance of the individual