The Enlightenment

When: Late 18th century – Early 19th century Who: European philosophers/scientists/mathematicians; American scholars What: Also known as the “Age of Reason”, it represented a time period after the “dark” Middle Ages in which theorists and philosophers began to question centuries of religious, political, & social traditions, and promote new ideas on life When: Late 18th century – Early 19th century Where: Europe and its colonies Why significant: Following the European Renaissance (15th-16th centuries) & the Scientific Revolution (17th century), it contributed a range of ideas centered on reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy and came to advance ideals like:   Liberty Progress Tolerance Fraternity Constitutional Government Separation of Church & State

The Zenger Trial

Who: John Peter Zenger (printer), Andrew Hamilton (lawyer), William Cosby (Governor of NY) What: Trial that centered on Zenger’s arrest for libel; he had printed opinions critical of the governor in the NY Weekly Journal When: 1734-1735 Where: New York Why significant: A jury found Zenger not guilty of libel, as Zenger’s lawyers established the argument that the printing of a statement, even if defamatory, is not libelous if it can be proved. This would set an early precedent for freedom of the press in America. 

The Great Awakening

Who: British & colonial ministers (ex Who: British & colonial ministers (ex. George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards) What: A movement of religious revival prompted by Ministers who felt people were growing less faithful and focusing more on worldly things like wealth. When: 1740s-1750s Where: England’s 13 colonies Why significant:  To contrast “Old Light” ministers who had lost influence with traditional sermons, “New Light” ministers used fear tactics and powerful sermons to scare people back into the church. Religion became more personal/emotional again; church membership rose.