1. Essential Question
How did the ideas & values of the Enlightenment influence American culture and government?

2. The Enlightenment
Chapter 5 Section 1 Pt II

3. Beginnings The Enlightenment movement started in Europe
Scientific discovery and rational explanation (reason) were held up as the pathways to true knowledge
Scientists discovered natural laws governing the universe
In the colonies, at first, only wealthy people were aware of Enlightenment ideas
Eventually, though, these ideas reached a wide population
Some thinkers even went as far as applying natural law to human society

4. Summary/Quiz Question
What did the Enlightenment emphasize as paths to knowledge?
Science & reason
Religion & prayer
Hard work & education
Arts & humanities

5. Divine Right vs. Social Contract
John Locke, perhaps the era’s most influential writer, challenged long standing tradition of the “Divine Right of Kings”
This was the idea that Kings had a God-given right to rule
Locke believed government was created by the consent of the people
This meant the people had the right to change their govt.
Locke called this the “Social Contract”

6. Natural Rights
Enlightenment leaders also argued that humans have natural rights to:
Life
Liberty
Property
If the govt. doesn’t protect these rights, then the people have the right to rebel (i.e. the “Social Contract” is broken)
This idea was influential among colonists as their relationship with Britain worsened
This type of progressive thinking caused colonists to:
Remain optimistic about the future
Survive periods of uncertainty & change
Reexamine their political ties w/ Britain
Begin to see Britain as a threat to their rights & freedoms

7. Summary/Quiz Question
How did the Enlightenment influence American colonists?
It abolished slavery in the colonies and ended the slave trade
It introduced ideas of natural rights and the social contract
It gave women the right to vote & own property
It inspired colonists to help others and start homes for orphans