1. 22.4:The American Revolution
By the end of class you will be able to explain how the enlightenment in Europe gave way to the American Revolution!

2. Changing Idea: Colonial Attachment to Britain
Old Idea:
American colonists considered themselves to be subjects of the British king
New Idea:
After a long train of perceived abuses by the king of England, the colonists asserted their right to declare independence

3. The Influence of the Enlightenment
Declaration of Independence:
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Based on ideas of John Locke
Argument for natural rights: “All men are created equal…with certain unalienable rights…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”
People have the right to rebel against an unjust ruler: “whenever any form of Government becomes destructive…it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…”

4. American Revolutionary War 1776 – 1781 (Win our rights of freedom)
British Colonists vs. Britain
Why were the colonists successful?
Colonist were highly motivated
Overconfident British Generals made mistakes
Costly war for Britain…fighting 3,000 miles away.
France helped the colonist sending 7,800 French soldiers to help out

5. The Enlightenment and the CONSTITUTION
Enlightenment thinker and ideas:
How it is used in the U.S. Constitution
LOCKE: government’s power comes from consent of people
Begins with “we the people of the United States,” to establish legitimacy; creates representative government

7. The Enlightenment and the CONSTITUTION
Enlightenment thinker and ideas:
How it is used in the U.S. Constitution
LOCKE: government’s power comes from consent of people
Begins with “we the people of the United States,” to establish legitimacy; creates representative government
MONTESQUIEU: separation of powers
Power divided among three branches of government, checks and balances

9. The Enlightenment and the CONSTITUTION
Enlightenment thinker and ideas:
How it is used in the U.S. Constitution
LOCKE: government’s power comes from consent of people
Begins with “we the people of the United States,” to establish legitimacy; creates representative government
MONTESQUIEU: separation of powers
Power divided among three branches of government, checks and balances
ROUSSEAU: Direct Democracy
Public Election of President and Congress

11. The Enlightenment and the CONSTITUTION
Enlightenment thinker and ideas:
How it is used in the U.S. Constitution
LOCKE: government’s power comes from consent of people
Begins with “we the people of the United States,” to establish legitimacy; creates representative government
MONTESQUIEU: separation of powers
Power divided among three branches of government, checks and balances
ROUSSEAU: Direct Democracy
Public Election of President and Congress
VOLTAIRE: Free speech, religious tolerance
U.S. Bill of Rights provides for freedom of speech and religion

13. The Enlightenment and the CONSTITUTION
Enlightenment thinker and ideas:
How it is used in the U.S. Constitution
LOCKE: government’s power comes from consent of people
Begins with “we the people of the United States,” to establish legitimacy; creates representative government
MONTESQUIEU: separation of powers
Power divided among three branches of government, checks and balances
ROUSSEAU: Direct Democracy
Public Election of President and Congress
VOLTAIRE: Free speech, religious tolerance
U.S. Bill of Rights provides for freedom of speech and religion
BECCARIA:
U.S. Bill of Rights protects rights of accused and prohibits cruel and unusual punishment

14. Americans Create a Republic
New government based on:
Checks and balances (three separate parts of government, checking actions of the others)
Federal System (Power divided between national and state governments)
Bill of Rights (first ten amendments to the constitution; basic legal rights freedom of speech, press, assembly, etc.)
*The Constitution and the Bill of Rights both put enlightenment ideas into practice!

15. Do you think the American Revolution would have happened if there had not been an age of Enlightenment? Why or why not? Explain your answer in at least 3-5 complete sentences please!