1. Colonial Experience, American Identity Interdependence ties together colonies Intellectual/cultural changes erode European traditions Opportunities add to sense of entitlement

2. I. The Age of Reason “Enlightenment” Rational society

3. A. Rational self-interest 1.Repulsed by Salem 2.“Self-made” men Liberty

4. B. The English Connection 1. Isaac Newton 1687 – Principia Mathematica Natural Law

5. 2. John Locke 1689 – Essay Concerning Human Understanding “tabula rasa”

6. 1690 – Two Treatises on Government Contract Theory “Natural Rights” Life, Liberty, Property English Liberalism

7. C. Churches 1.Deism Harvard theologians - “liberal” Protestantism Innate evil? Innate authority?

8. D. American perspective 1. Pragmatism Benjamin Franklin -active, confident, improving -Voluntary Associations -Self-education -Social improvement

9. The First Great Awakening

10. A. R evivals 1734-1775 1. Anglicans = George Whitfield Methodists = John Wesley Presbyterians = Gilbert Tennant

11. 2. Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, 1741 - revive Calvinism God-centered universe predestination America cannot shirk its destiny - detested “money-grubbers” moral relativism

12. B. Causes 1.Economic frustration / competition “River Gods” 2.Women

13. C. Revivalism 1.American-style Protestantism always looking for converts 2. Blends religion & politics 1760s Connecticut: Old Lights v. New Lights

14. 3. Denominationalism: religious pluralism - end of state-supported churches - revivals split churches - breaks political power of churches

15. D. Cultural basis of Revolution 1.Required no education: egalitarian 2.Gave poorer, rural colonists common experience 3.Experience was anti-authoritarian

16. 4. Gave colonists common enemy Satan “Millennialism” King of France (Catholic) King of England