1. ’s
Revolutionary War
Constitution
Bill of Rights
Declaration of Independence

2. Age of Reason Age of Reason Thinkers
New ideas had been arising in Europe and were challenging the faith of the Puritans
The Age of Reason began with philosophers and scientists of the 17 and 18th centuries who called themselves Rationalists

3. Age of Reason
Everything could be explained through the use of reason—Nature, science, human progress
Nature was a machine to be analyzed

4. Rationalism
The belief that human beings can arrive at truth by using reason, rather than by relying on the authority of the past, or on religious faith

5. The Universe
Enlightenment brought a new, exciting way of seeing the universe…
Universe as an orderly system
With application of reason, humanity would comprehend universe (Newton’s Laws)

6. Comparisons Puritanism
“God [is] actively and mysteriously involved in the workings of the universe.”
Rationalism
Sir Isaac Newton
said God is a
“clockmaker”.
God’s special gift to
humanity was
reason – “the
ability to think in an
ordered, logical
manner”

7. Colonies tired of all of England’s taxes, rules, and control Stamp Act
Revolutionary War
Colonies tired of all of England’s taxes, rules, and control
Stamp Act
Boston Massacre
Boston Tea Party

10. Age of Reason and War Believe in the common good
Whatever is for the common good, comes before personal freedom
Nature is good and people are inherently good

11. Age of Reason and War Valued tradition, clarity, balance and order
Sense of optimism
Art flourished
Science, ethics and
government became
important

12. Say What?!?!
Enlightenment thinkers got rid of the terms “grace” and “pre-destination” and replaced them with “moral choice” and scientific inquiry.
Virtue, order, reason!

13. Political Pamplets
Political pamphlets were very persuasive during this time
Helped Patriotism grow and encouraged Revolutionary War Support

14. Most Influential Writers
Phyllis Wheatley
Ben Franklin
Thomas Paine
Patrick Henry
Wheatley
Paine
Henry
Jefferson

15. Patrick Henry “Speech to the Virginia Convention”
Leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies
Speech to the Virginia Convention
Gave a speech to colony of Virginia urging them to start a militia and fight against Britain
He won critics over with this speech by illustrating the urgency of breaking from Britain
Famous Line: “Give me liberty or give me death”

16. Thomas Paine Common Sense Pamphlet
Supported the American colonist's fight for independence and supported the French Revolution
A writer of pamphlets or other short works promoting American colonies to fight against Britain
Published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy
The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain

17. Phyllis Wheatley Famous Poetry
First published African-American poet
Was a slave her entire life - she was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston who taught her to read and write and dramatically changed her world
Slave poet Phillis Wheatley impressed everyone she met, proving to the world that the color of one's skin does not indicate one's intellect

18. Benjamin Franklin Autobiography
Success as an author led him to take up politics
Helped draw up the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
Played a major role in the American Revolution and negotiated French support for the colonists
Franklin’s Autobiography is a famous work of the Age of Reason
In his book Franklin draws a vivid picture of his early life and the person he was, telling us about the many contributions he made to society and the kinds of experiences he had

19. Review Genre/Style Political pamphlets Effects Travel writing
Persuasive
speeches
Effects
Patriotism
Pride
Agreement
American character
values
Basic Beliefs
Reason & science over faith
Man is naturally good, not evil
Freedom must be achieved