1750 ~ 1800

Period Overview  The age is balanced  The slate is clean  God is removed from the scene  Polemical works abound

Alternate Names for this Time Period  The Age of Reason  The Neoclassical Period  The American Enlightenment

Characteristics of the Period  Social Self~control, Discipline, and Order  “The State” is the proper instrument of progress  Personal & Social “self- control:” Stop! Think! What could happen? Is this what you want?

Period Social Virtues  “Reason” is celebrated Benjamin Franklin’s “moral perfection” Belief in the ability to perfect individuals and society, itself  Faith in Human Rationality Valid principles governing individuals, society, & nature

The American Enlightenment  The Belief in “Self~Knowledge” Free Inquiry The Scientific Method ~ The application of test & reason America: The New Athens or The New Rome

American Societal Characteristics  Pre~occupied with Worldly Values: Individual Rights Social Well~being Growth of Commerce Expression of Political Grievances

American Social Philosophy  John Locke’s philosophical Notion: Tabula Rosa America has a “Clean Slate” America’s concern: “Natural Rights of Man”

America’s Divine Providence  Deism Remote God  Creates & Watches  “Know then thyself, presume not God to scan, the proper study of mankind is man.” ~Alexander Pope

Literary Period Characteristics & Influences  Literary Works are “Polemical” (extremely argumentative) Patrick Henry Thomas Paine Thomas Jefferson John Brown Frederick Douglass Malcolm X Martin Luther King Jr.

Literary Period Characteristics & Purposes  Public & Political Writing  Plain & Simple Language ~ not ornate or extravagant  Audience~ Common Citizens  Writing concerned with: Clear & Precise Commonsensical Ideas Mathematical Plainness (common sense)  All Writing Non~fiction Polemical