Essential Question How did the ideas & values of the Enlightenment influence American culture and government?

The Enlightenment Chapter 5 Section 1 Pt II

Beginnings The Enlightenment movement started in Europe Scientific discovery and rational explanation (reason) were held up as the pathways to true knowledge Scientists discovered natural laws governing the universe In the colonies, at first, only wealthy people were aware of Enlightenment ideas Eventually, though, these ideas reached a wide population Some thinkers even went as far as applying natural law to human society

Summary/Quiz Question What did the Enlightenment emphasize as paths to knowledge? Science & reason Religion & prayer Hard work & education Arts & humanities

Divine Right vs. Social Contract John Locke, perhaps the era’s most influential writer, challenged long standing tradition of the “Divine Right of Kings” This was the idea that Kings had a God-given right to rule Locke believed government was created by the consent of the people This meant the people had the right to change their govt. Locke called this the “Social Contract”

Natural Rights Enlightenment leaders also argued that humans have natural rights to: Life Liberty Property If the govt. doesn’t protect these rights, then the people have the right to rebel (i.e. the “Social Contract” is broken) This idea was influential among colonists as their relationship with Britain worsened This type of progressive thinking caused colonists to: Remain optimistic about the future Survive periods of uncertainty & change Reexamine their political ties w/ Britain Begin to see Britain as a threat to their rights & freedoms

Summary/Quiz Question How did the Enlightenment influence American colonists? It abolished slavery in the colonies and ended the slave trade It introduced ideas of natural rights and the social contract It gave women the right to vote & own property It inspired colonists to help others and start homes for orphans