The American Enlightenment, 1750 - 1815

THE AMERICAN ENLIGHTENMENT All Americans have a right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The American Enlightenment was the emergence of new political and social ideas in early America. Respect for Nature and Science Religious Freedom Economic Liberty Republicanism

John Locke John Locke is considered to be one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment. He wrote about: Religious Tolerance Theory of Value and Property Political Theory Education

Locke on Religious tolerance Earthly judges, the state in particular, and human beings generally, cannot dependably evaluate the truth-claims of competing religious standpoints Even if they could, enforcing a single "true religion" would not have the desired effect, because belief cannot be compelled by violence Coercing religious uniformity would lead to more social disorder than allowing diversity McGrath, Alister. 1998. Historical Theology, An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers. pp. 214–5.

LOCKE ON PROPERTY Property is a natural right and is derived from labor. Persons own themselves and own their labor. Later critiqued by Karl Marx and Rousseau

John locke on political theory Social Contract Questions the legitimacy of government. Government is only legitimate if the people consent to being governed. Humans forfeit freedom for protection from their government; as such, they must consent. Humans have natural, inalienable rights (God-given) and as such, the government is unable to take them away.

Adam smith Father of Modern Economics Wrote about a Free Market System, which is the foundation of a Capitalist economy. Author of the "Wealth of Nations” the first modern book on Economics. Concept of Invisible Hand

Other enlightenment thinkers Voltaire Satirical Literature; critiqued the Church. Jean-Jacques Rousseau Social Philosophy:“You are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody.” Immanuel Kant Rationalism and Philosophy Montesquieu Separation of Powers in Government

THE AMERICAN ENLIGHTENMENT The people of America had new expectations of their government. The people of America were no longer happy with the conditions of English colonial rule. The King of England represented old, obsolete political ideas; their remaining days were numbered in the West.

John locke’s influence on politicians Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying: “I consider [Bacon, Locke and Newton] as the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception, and as having laid the foundation of those superstructures which have been raised in the Physical and Moral sciences“

THE FOUNDING FATHERS Prior to the Revolution, the founding fathers of the United States of America were leading political theorists and thinkers. They knew that there would be a revolution against England. They knew they would have an opportunity to create a government from scratch.

Thomas jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence Born in Virginia in 1743 Died on July 4th, 1826

James madison Known as “Father of the Constitution” Born in 1751 Died June 28, 1836 Pivotal contributor to the Bill of Rights

John adams Innovative thinker in the Enlightenment Born 1735 Died 1826 Known as an rugged outdoorsman Significantly contributed to efforts to gain independence from England

Alexander hamilton Known for his contributions to the nation’s financial system Born 1757, died 1804 Responsible for establishing the first U.S. central bank. Strong federalist; disagreed with many fellow founding fathers including Jefferson and Madison.

Benjamin franklin This man did everything! Science, politics, diplomat, inventor, Benjamin Franklin was involved in many different trades. Ambassador to France. Contributed to the Enlightenment both politically and scientifically. Invented Bifocals (glasses) The Lightning Rod Furthered understanding of Electricity Born 1706, died 1790.

Summary paragraph How were the Founding Fathers influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, and what new ideas emerged about the Government?