Three Influential American Men

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) Son of a pastor. Entered Yale at 13 years old and graduated 4 years later. Earned a Master's degree 3 years later. In 1727 he was ordained as a minister.

His grandfather died and left his grandson the task of ministering his congregation. His preaching brought remarkable religious revivals. Was a key figure in what has come to be called the First Great Awakening.

The Great Awakening A spiritual awareness that swept the American Colonies, particularly New England, during the first half of the 18th Century. Became concerned that New Englanders were becoming far too concerned with worldly matters. It seemed to him that people found the pursuit of wealth to be more important than religious principles. He preached against these ideas. "God was an angry judge, and humans were sinners!" he declared. He spoke with such fury and conviction that people flocked to listen. This sparked what became known as the GREAT AWAKENING in the American Colonies. 

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) Born 1736 in Studley, VA. His mother was from the south, his father immigrated from Scotland. Received most of his education from his father and his uncle. At 15 he was running a store for his father. He failed at being a businessman. Studied law, became a lawyer in 1760.

Lawyer and Politician Developed a reputation as a powerful and persuasive speaker 1765 he was elected to the House of Burgesses He often spoke out against Britain’s colonial policies Spoke out against the Stamp Act

1774 he was selected as a delegate to the continental congress There he met Sam Adams Called for colonists to unite against Britain 1775 he attended the Virginia Convention They were debating how to solve the crisis with Great Britain (peacefully or go to war) Henry gave his most famous speech

Henry’s most famous speech Urged colonists to form a militia Shortly after his speech the first shots of the American Revolution were fired Became the commander in chief of the Virginia forces but resigned a short time later He helped write Virginia’s state constitution in 1776 Later that year he became Virginia’s governor

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Failed out of school at age 12 Immigrated to Philadelphia in 1774 Became a journalist 1776 published “Common Sense” which supported American independence from England He returned to England and was labeled an outlaw Wrote several controversial pamphlets 1802 was invited back to America by Thomas Jefferson