1. The Enlightenment and The Great Awakening

2. The Enlightenment – A Time of Reason and Science
The Enlightenment emphasizes reason and science as the path to knowledge
Based on Natural laws of the universe developed by scientists; such as gravity
Enlightenment thinkers stressed observation or experimentation as the means to understanding the world
Thinkers such as John Locke applied natural laws to societies.
Ideas about natural rights and government influenced leaders

3. Enlightenment Movement began in Europe
Knowledge, reason, & science could improve society
Schools of higher learning open across America
Ben Franklin -
Best known colonial American scientist

4. People of the Enlightenment
Ben Franklin
American thinker, diplomat, and inventor
John Locke
Men are all rational and capable people (Natural Rights)
Life, Liberty, & Property
Government must work for the people to protect Natural Rights
William Blackstone
Said that human laws were natural like laws of science, simply waiting to be discovered;
believed that because Man was created by God, he was granted fundamental rights by God;
known as father of English Common Law
Baron Charles de Montesquieu
Division of state (federalism) and separation of powers

5. Before the Great Awakening
Before 1730s, most colonies had established religions:
Congregationalists:
New England (basically Puritans)
Anglicans:
New York and Southern Colonies (same as Church of England)

6. The Great Awakening
In the Early 1700s, many colonists lost the religious passion that had driven Pilgrims, Puritans and others to seek out a new life in America
1730s-1740 a religious revival began to sweep through the colonies lead by travelling ministers
“New birth” is ultimate religious experience
Followers accept that they are sinners and ask for salvation.

7. “Old Lights” vs. “New Lights”
Great Awakening challenged authority and hierarchy of established churches
“Old Lights”:
Congregationalists and Anglicans).
Churches that grew as a result of the Great Awakening
“New Lights” :
Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptist
Great Awakening said anyone could be converted or “born again”; you didn’t need traditional church leadership to decide if you belong.

8. Spreading the Great Awakening
Began in the New England Colonies and spread.
Travelling ministers preached that inner religious emotion was more important that outward behavior.
The Sermons appealed to the heart/emotions and drew large crowds

9. Leaders of the Movement
Jonathan Edwards
George Whitefield

10. Effects of the Great Awakening
Encouraged ideas of equality and the right to challenge authority
These ideas inspired future generations to challenge the authority of the English government
Lead to the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence