What was Benjamin franklin like as a young man? Growing up in Boston, young Benjamin Franklin was expected to join his father’s candlemaking business. However, the young Franklin had other ideas. He dreamed of going to sea. But his father refused to allow it. Instead, Benjamin was apprenticed to his older brother as a printer. The job suited him, but the two brothers did not get along. Eventually Benjamin left the shop. Unable to get work with any other Boston printer, he traveled to the big city—Philadelphia. There, he found work in a printer’s shop, and began what would be an amazing career.

Do now 1. What career did Benjamin Franklin dream of when he was a boy? 2. Why did Benjamin Franklin leave Boston as a young man?

DO Now ? “What then is the American, this new man? He is neither an European, nor the descendant of an European … He is an American … Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world.” —Letters from an American Farmer, 1782

Do Now ? Paraphrase of the quote and answer the following questions: What does it mean to be an American? In what ways does America’s culture began to emerge and continue to change today?

Main Idea Enlightenment ideas and the Great Awakening brought new ways of thinking to the colonists, and a unique American culture developed.

The Scientific Revolution Scientists began using observation and experiments to look for natural laws that governed the universe. Some scientists studied physical laws, while others looked for order and method in nature.

The Enlightenment in Europe Thinkers in Europe admired the new approach to science. They thought that logic and reason could also be used to improve society, law, and government. Other thinkers wanted to use new ideas to reform education, which in turn would improve society, criminal justice, and conditions for the poor.

Enlightenment Thinkers English philosopher John Locke said it was the duty of government to protect the citizens’ natural rights: life, liberty, and property. French Baron de Montesquieu suggested that the powers of government be divided. French writer Voltaire criticized intolerance and prejudice.

CHANGES IN RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES Strict groups such as the Puritans were upset by the growing tolerance for other beliefs. Some religious leaders worried that material values and concern for making money had displaced spiritual values. Clergy looked for new ways to bring people back to the church.

THE GREAT AWAKENING Enlightenment ideas also led some people in the colonies to question long-accepted religious beliefs, looking for rational, scientific explanations for how the universe worked. Great Awakening was a religious revival movement in the colonies.

What was the Great Awakening? Religious revival movement Evangelicism – “new birth” considered the ultimate religious experience Followers accepted that they were sinners and asked for salvation George Whitefield preaching

Before the Great Awakening Before the 1730s, most colonies had two established religions. Congregationalism was the largest religion in New England (Puritans and other dissidents who broke away from the Church of England). Anglicanism was the largest religion in New York and the Southern colonies (same as the Church of England).

A revival of religion Jonathan Edwards, Puritan minister, was one of the movement leaders, preached about the agonies that sinners would suffer if they did not repent. He was influenced by John Locke and Sir Isaac Newton. George Whitefield, British Methodist minister, preached throughout the colonies. His strong voice moved people to cry and confess their sins.

Old Lights vs. New Lights Churches that grew as a result of the Great Awakening: Presbyterianism, Methodism, Baptism (New Lights) Great Awakening challenged authority and hierarchy of established churches (Old Lights: Congregationalists and Anglicans) Great Awakening said that anybody could be converted and born again. You didn’t need traditional church leadership to decide whether or not you belonged.

Results of the great awakening Led to increase in church membership in the 1700s New Protestant religions grew in America: Congregational Church, Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian Was one of first links uniting the colonies Led to creation of several colleges

Colonies become more diverse Irish and Scottish German and French Jewish Scots and Scots-Irish settled mainly in the middle colonies and Carolinas. Strict Presbyterians Did not like the English government Were ready to fight for political rights Religious unrest in Europe and religious tolerance in colonies attracted more people. German colonists (skilled farmers and artisans) French Huguenots (craftsmen and scientists) Jewish communities grew. - Newport - Philadelphia - New York - Charleston

African American Culture Strong family structure despite the fact that real families were split apart. Kinship networks were essential. Religion was another strength of the community. Many were Christian, but also kept older African beliefs. The slave community preserved music and dance traditions. African music, foods, and other traditions gradually became a part of American culture.

Colonial Cities Some cities had cobblestone streets lit by oil lamps. Ships from foreign ports were in the harbors. People enjoyed reading mail from relatives and English newspapers and magazines. Many cities had libraries, bookshops, impressive public buildings, and places where colonists could see plays and hear concerts Markets to shop for produce or European luxury goods Schools that taught music, dancing, drawing, and painting in addition to traditional classes

Popular Culture Quilting bees and barn raisings were examples of work in sociable ways. Northern colonists went ice-skating and sledding in winter. Horse racing and hunting Visiting neighbors was favorite pastime Social events: dancing, listening to music

Printing Printers printed and distributed newspapers, books, advertisements, and political announcements. First American printer was in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Influential newspapers published in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

John Peter Zenger John Peter Zenger, New York printer, published articles that criticized the royal governor. Zenger was arrested, and his newspapers were burned. He was tried in court and won the first important victory for freedom of the press in the America colonies.