Ryan & Josh

Characteristics Began the belief of Deism, which was God does not have direct hand in events on Earth School age at the time generally did not go past the age of 12 College Education was rare Most writings were political based Literature included essays, speeches, and pamphlets Writings were also about the war (American Revolution)

Characteristics American writers began to work away from the Puritan style writings and ventured out to their own style Their writings were said to be: Logical Political Opinion based Main objective was to find a voice against the European nations Writings echoed the concepts of the battles and heroes of the time

Major Events American Revolution took place during this time which had the biggest influence on the writers The rides from Paul Revere and William Dawes The Second Continental Congress meeting Battle of Bunker Hill George Washington named President Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was published Declaration of Independence Articles of Confederation was adopted US Constitution was adopted

Major People Thomas Paine Paul Revere Benjamin Franklin George Washington Thomas Jefferson John Adams Francis Scott Key Patrick Henry John Hancock James Monroe Samuel Adams

Social Dynamics Newly immigrated Americans were in high spirit before the war as they were ready to fight for freedom America offered a bountiful of amenities for the new citizens However, spirits began to dwindle once the war actually began and winter months grew cold Once the spirits were low, this is when the great American leaders like George Washington and Thomas Paine began to influence all around Obviously, during this time, our Founders were beginning the writing for independence

Authors Patrick Henry Helped to write the American Constitution “Give me liberty, or give me death” Orator and politician who led the movement for independence First and sixth governor of Virginia Best known for his speech he made in the House of Burgesses Henry argued for the House to mobilize the military into action

Thomas Paine Most influential of the writers during this time period Most notable piece of work was “Common Sense” Famous pamphleteer and writer on religion and politics “Common Sense” became the most widely read pamphlet in America Attacked the whole concept of a monarchy

Benjamin Franklin One of the Founding Fathers of the United States Was a leading author, politician, scientist, musician, inventor, and civil activist Most famous piece of work was Poor Richards Almanack Frequently wrote under pseudonyms Later printed Father Abraham’s Sermon He is credited for the founding of Daylight Savings Time Wrote about political and religious aspects of the time

Thomas Jefferson Most notably known for the writing of the Declaration of Independence Also wrote many other politically based writings such as: Notes on State of Virginia Jefferson Bible Summary View of Rights of British America All of his writings involved either a political or religious motive However, he did construct an autobiography of himself before his death

Abigail Adams Wrote to her husband feverishly about including something in the Declaration of Independence regarding women’s rights “My pen is always freer than my tongue” Wrote for the equal rights for women Also wrote about slavery and her own religious beliefs Wrote 1200 letters to her husband, John Adams, all regarding some aspect of religious or political notion

Common Sense Most known and popular work during the time Wrote by Thomas Paine Most widely read piece of work during the time Presented American colonists with the idea of freedom away from a monarchy Also, talked about the current American affairs and what they could do to improve Made a distinction between government and society Talks about the military potential of the United States as well

The Age of Reason Also written by Thomas Paine This writing criticized the institution of new religion and challenges the legitimacy of the Bible Was published three separate times and became a best seller in America Britain feared this writing would cause a revolt and they viewed it more hostile Talks about the corruption of the Christian Church Says the bible is not a divinely inspired text, but a mere ordinary piece of work

Star Spangled Banner Was a poem written by Francis Scott Key while the Americans tried to defend the attack from British Ships during the battle of Fort McHenry This poem was originally set to the tune of a British song written by John Smith The poem has four stanzas, but we generally only know the first one as our National Anthem Recognized as official use for US Navy in 1889 Made the National Anthem in 1931

The Federalist Papers Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay Series of 85 articles and essays. Written under the pen name Publius Madison wrote 26 Hamilton wrote 51 Jay wrote 5 These articles were used to help get the new Constitution ratified

The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution Declaration Constitution Written by Thomas Jefferson The colonies declaring their independence from England. Adopted on July 4, 1776 Began the Revolutionary War Written by the Philadelphia Convention The supreme law of the United States Written to replace the Articles of Confederation Ratified on June 21, 1788