1. Chapter 2, Section 3 Notes Birth of the American Republic
Essential Question: How did ideas of the Enlightenment lead to the independence and founding of the United States of America?

2. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
Witness History Audio: Paine’s Common Sense
Britain Becomes a Global Power
At the time of the American Revolution, Britain was a world superpower. It had begun to build its empire and already controlled trade with much of North America, the West Indies, and India. George III came to power in 1760 and was determined to assert his control.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
Color Transparency 103: The Election II—Canvassing for Votes by William Hogarth
Note Taking Transparency 122
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3. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
The 13 Colonies in the Mid-1700s
In Britain’s American colonies, economic life was booming by Although Britain tried to regulate trade and other aspects of life in the colonies, there was a sense of semi-independence on the part of the colonists, who tried to control their own affairs.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
Geography Interactive: The Original Thirteen Colonies
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4. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
Colonists Express Discontent
When King George III imposed taxes on the colonies to help pay for wars, the colonists rebelled. Tensions escalated and finally broke out into war. Inspired by Enlightenment ideas about the natural rights of man and the right to revolt against an unjust government, the Second Continental Congress declared independence from Britain.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
Witness History Audio: The Declaration of Independence
Color Transparency 106: Tarring and Feathering Under the Liberty Tree
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5. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
The American Revolution Continues
With their passion, with their knowledge of the countryside, and with help from France, the Netherlands, and Spain, the colonists defeated the British. The Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the independent United States of America.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
Witness History Video: The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
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6. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
A New Constitution
When the Articles of Confederation proved too weak to establish effective government, some of the nation’s leaders drafted the Constitution based on Enlightenment ideas of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. The new government would recognize some basic rights of the people and establish three branches of government to create checks and balances. This document served as a model for constitutions created by other countries.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
Color Transparency 104: Enlightenment Thinkers
History Interactive: Roots of American Democracy
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
QuickTake Chapter Test
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7. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights would later be added to the constitution in an attempt to appease the anti-Federalists who wanted a guarantee that individual and states’ rights were included in this new government. These amendments were made to protect the rights of individual citizens.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
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8. The Enlightenment and the American Revolution
Section 3: Birth of the American Republic
Global Effect
“We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the national Diet, determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land…” (The Japanese Constitution borrowed ideas from the U.S. Constitution)
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How do Paine’s words reflect Enlightenment ideals?” (He points to reason and natural law—“the universal order of things”—as reasons why the colonies must be free from England.)
When showing Color Transparencies 103 and 106, use the lessons suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
When showing Color Transparency 104, direct students to the infographic in their books on “The Roots of American Democracy.” Ask “What ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated into the Constitution?” (popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances)
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9. Review for Standard 10.1 Test

10. Greek Review
One of the most important long-term Greek contributions to western thought is found in government and law.
Athenians believed in direct democracy (every individual citizen gets to make decisions)
Aristotle said that the ideal state would have a Constitution written by lawgivers and administered by politicians. (Separation of Powers)
Rule of Law
Citizens of every class must adhere to the law.

11. Roman Review Rome=Republic=Representatives
One of Rome’s greatest legacies to the modern world was the idea that laws should be written down and apply equally to all citizens. (The Twelve Tables)
They were polytheists (belief in more than one god)

12. Judaism Review Holy Book: Torah
The Israelites were monotheistic, meaning they believed in one God
The Ten Commandments (a set of individual conduct rules)
There was an emphasis on individual conscience and monotheism.

13. Christianity Review Holy Book: Bible
The Ten Commandments helped establish a moral and ethical code for Judeo-Christian individuals that became part of democratic governments.
Jesus emphasized individual conscience and monotheism and that man’s duty is to God.