The Enlightenment in Colonial America

The Enlightenment in America Began in Europe and it reached colonial America more than a century later. In Europe, the Enlightenment was responsible for inspiring interests in education, science and literature. Stressed the power of humans to reason so as to promote progress.

The Enlightenment in America The Enlightenment challenged the role of religion and divine right. This helped Colonial America to see that it was possible to challenge the King and divine right. Challenged the role of God. Allowed people to see that they had the ability to shape their own lives.

The Enlightenment in America Politically the age is distinguished by an emphasis upon liberty, democracy, republicanism and religious tolerance. Attempts to reconcile science and religion, which resulted in a widespread rejection of prophecy and miracles. Preference for Deism

The Enlightenment in America Enlightenment provided the philosophical basis of the American Revolution. American Revolution provided a blueprint for the organization of a democratic society. American Revolution was an enlightened concept of government. While the Enlightenment thinking in Europe took place in the salons in Paris, the practical application of those ideas was carried out most vividly in the American colonies.

Benjamin Franklin  (1706 –1790) Statesman, printer, author, inventor, scientist – a true son of the Enlightenment. Called “The First American.” He rose from humble beginnings – embodies the American Dream.. He felt that writing should be “smooth, clear, and short.” He perfected the Puritan Plain Style. The Autobiography presents his self-disciplined, practical wisdom. Franklin believed an appeal to reason would provide solutions to all human problems.

Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) Principal  author of the “Declaration of Independence” Colonists were justified in declaring their independence. Declaration provides the philosophy of the revolutionaries and outlines their experiences with a tyrannical king.

Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) Jefferson supported the separation of church and state and was the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Jefferson believed educating people was a good way to establish an organized society. "A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical...It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."

Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all.“ "Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."

Thomas Paine (1737 – 1809) Born in England, emigrated to America in 1774, just before the beginning of the American revolution. His principal contributions was the widely read pamphlet Common Sense (1776), advocating colonial America's independence from Great Britain.

John Hector St. John de Crèvecœur (1735 –1813) French native who spent 22 years in America. Helped establish our national identity. Coined the phrase “Melting Pot.” Introduced the idea of “The American Adam” – the idea that there is something different, unique, special, or new about these people called “Americans.” Crevecoeur was the most widely read commentator on American life.

John Hector St. John de Crèvecœur (1735 –1813) “Letters from an American Farmer: Describing Certain Provincial Situations, Manners, and Customs” Letter III: "What is American?"