The Enlightenment
in the colonies Focused on intellectual movement focused on inquiry and discovery Believed that problems could be solved through reason. Challenged the old way of thinking of science, government and religion
John Locke
*Natural Rights* ‘Tabula Rosa’- experience =basis for peoples ideas, values, and morals (You are born a blank slate) Governments exists to protect the rights of the people.
Baron de Montesquieu
Separation of powers Checks and Balances- no part of government should become more powerful than another.
Ben Franklin
Wanted to understand everything Scientist Enlightenment Ideas Belief in individualism Inventor- Bifocals, Franklin Stove, Lighting Rod Printer: Poor Richards Almanac Deist- relies on natural reason Organized first Philadelphia Union Fire company
Impacts of the Enlightenment
Basis for the American Revolution Blueprint for the ideas of Democracy throughout the colonies Great Awakening attempted to counter the Enlightenment in order to express a need to return to church.