1. Topic 1a – Early American Ideologies
Objectives:
By the end of the lesson students will be able to:
Identify three major ideals of Enlightenment thinkers.
Connect the Enlightenment thinkers and their ideals to specific democratic values present in early America.
Explain how the American colonists were influenced by democratic Enlightenment ideas. What did they specifically do that represents the Enlightenment?

2. Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies
The Enlightenment
Enlightenment
A European intellectual movement that emphasized logic & reason over tradition and faith.
New ideas on the following topics:
Math, Physics, Government, Nature, Humanity.
Relevancy to US History:
Made it acceptable for people to think about human nature (without God and the monarchy) and purpose of government in their lives.
Before we even start, using one sentence, write down what you believe the governments role in your life should be.
Make a “t-chart” on a separate sheet of paper. Label the left column Old Europe and the right column Enlightenment Europe. Now that you know the difference between the two, summarize Europe before the Enlightenment on the left side and after on the right side.
(Critical Thinking) How did the Enlightenment reach North America? Why would it have a major influence on the American colonists? (Read the second question carefully, notice how it says WHY not HOW)

3. Enlightenment Thinkers
Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies
Enlightenment Thinkers
Thomas Hobbes – The Social Contract
You give the government its power
You don’t owe the government and its leaders, it owes you
If it isn’t working for you, change it
John Locke – Natural Rights
Right to life, liberty, and property
Nothing can ever take those away
Thomas Paine – “Common Sense”
The Enlightenment in action vs. the British government
How was Hobbes idea on the Social Contract different from what people were used to at the time?
What would John Locke have to say if the British government took away the colonists right to life, liberty, or property? Why?
(Opinion) What is your take on the role of government in your life? Do you have natural rights? Explain. Do you believe government acts like a social contract? Why or why not?

4. Enlightenment Influence in America
Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies
Enlightenment Influence in America
Mayflower Compact – Massachusetts
Majority Rules
House of Burgesses – Virginia
Representative Government
Declaration of Independence
Natural Rights
Social Contract
Define majority rules.
Explain how the Mayflower Compact is an example of majority rules and why it was needed for the colony of Massachusetts
Define Representative Government.
Explain how a Representative Government also acts like a social contract.

5. Enlightenment in America
Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies
Enlightenment in America
Social Contract influence
The belief in changing government when it isn’t working for you
American Revolution
The Election in general (modern)
Majority rules influence
Allowing participation by all Americans in the direction of government (past and present)
Representative governments
Election of officials to run government from the people.
Allows government to function based on interests.
Allows everyone else to go about daily lives.
How is government today like a social contract?
Is majority rules fair? What if there were 100 people in a room and 51 all had the same opinion, is that fair? Why or why not?
Why did the colonists have representative governments? Do you think this type of government is effective? Why or why not?