Enlightenment and The Great Awakening I. The Enlightenment - The age of reason; a movement that began in Europe in the 1700's when people began examining the idea that reason and logic could improve society. A. Significant Contributers 1. John Locke - The government exists for the people. There is a social contract between govt. and its citizens. 2. Baron de Montesquieu - said the only way to achieve liberty is through the separation of powers in the government. Enlightenment ideas combine to influence the writers of the Declaration and Constitution. p.95

II. The Great Awakening - a religious movement that became widespread in the American Colonies in the 1730's and 1740's. A. Attracted people from different religions, classes and races. 1. Women, poor people and minority groups often took part in the services. B. Ideas impacted politics - spiritual equality led people to demand political equality. * People deserve a say in government no matter their social status, gender or race *Radical new idea for most

Enlightenment