The Age of Reason Authors: The Revolutionary War Period Benjamin Franklin ( ) Patrick Henry ( ) Thomas Jefferson ( )

“I think, therefore I am.” God’s special gift to humanity—the ability to think. The Enlightenment : Began in Europe (17 th century) Emerged with modern science and the scientific method Influenced by Sir Isaac Newton’s view of universe Belief in unlimited possibilities when guided by reason Rationalism is the belief that we can arrive at truth by using our reason rather than relying on the authority of the past, on religious faith, or on intuition. Rene’ Descartes

Deism: The Beliefs The existence of deity God made the universe orderly and good God governs the world with His Providence The most acceptable service of God is doing good to man Souls are immortal and good Crimes will be punished and virtue rewarded either here or hereafter God made it possible for all people at all times to discover natural laws through their faculty of reason. Sir Isaac Newton

Content: Rooted in reality Wrote about social, political, and scientific improvements Primarily non-fiction— pamphlets Intended to serve practical or political ends

Only write the last line: Printer, postmaster, almanac maker, essayist, chemist, orator, tinker, statesman, humorist, philosopher, parlor man, political economist, professor of housewifery, ambassador, projector, maxim-monger, herb-doctor, wit: Jack of all trades, master of each and mastered by none—the type and genius of the land, Franklin was everything but a poet. By Herman Melville Classic American success story—a self-made man Rags to Riches

The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin Audience: son or those interested in improvement Style: personal narrative (unquestioned masterpiece of the American Age of Reason) Purpose: self-help book

: Lawyer Age 29 involved in politics Master orator Dramatic orator 1 st great speech against Stamp Act Powerful Virginia politician

Speech to the Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry Audience: Virginia delegates Purpose: to gather support for a proposed resolution to approve the formation of a local militia, to declare war Style: persuasive a call to action proof supporting speaker’s position and motives a heightened style

Virginia gentleman, politician, governor, Renaissance man Classically educated Lawyer and writer 3 rd President of United States of America Louisiana Purchase Died on 50 th anniversary of the independence (7/4/1826) Wrote his own epitaph Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia. His epitaph...

Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson Audience: King of Britain Style: a declaration Purpose: to declare independence 4 Parts of the Declaration: 1.Preamble 2.Indictment 3.Denunciation 4.Conclusion