The Enlightenment

European intellectual movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason and individualism rather than

tradition. It was heavily influenced by 17th-century philosophers such as Descartes, Locke, and Newton, and its prominent

exponents include Kant, Goethe, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Adam Smith. It eventually carried over into the American colonies.

Enlightenment ThinkersO Thinkers used natural laws to apply to people,

societies and principles of government.

O JOHN LOCKE- argued that people have natural rights to LIFE, LIBERTY and PROPERTY.O He claimed that people create government and

it’s the governments responsibility to protect these natural rights– and if the govt. fails to do this, the people have the right to change their government.

ENLIGHTENMENT THINKERSO Benjamin Franklin- One of the most famous

American Enlightenment thinkers.O Used Science and reason to improve society. O Printer, publisher, writer, diplomat, politician,

inventor, scientist.O Published books and pamphlets including :

O Poor Richard’s AlmanacO An autobiography

Religion in the ColoniesO Religion shaped

much of colonial life.O Ministers were

asking people to renew their faith---this renewal or revival was known as the Great AwakeningO Led to greater

religious freedom

Zenger TrialO Freedom of the press became an

important issue in Colonial life.O Newspapers carried political news and

often faced government censorshipO In 1733, publisher John Peter Zenger

accused New York’s governor of corruption.

O He was charged with a crime and put on trial.

O He was found not guilty---this case is seen as a key step in the development of freedom of the press.