The Enlightenment emphasizes reason and science as the path to knowledge Based on Natural laws of the

universe developed by scientists; such as gravity

Enlightenment thinkers stressed observation or experimentation as the means to understanding the world

Thinkers such as John Locke applied natural laws to societies.

Ideas about natural rights and government influenced leaders

Movement began in Europe Knowledge, reason, & science

could improve society Schools of higher learning open

across America

Ben Franklin - Best known colonial American scientist

Benjamin Franklin:

The American Renaissance Man

• Ben Franklin – American thinker, diplomat, and inventor

• John Locke – Men are all rational and capable people (Natural Rights)

• Life, Liberty, & Property

– Government must work for the people to protect Natural Rights

• William Blackstone Said that human laws were natural like laws of science, simply

waiting to be discovered; believed that because Man was created by God, he was granted

fundamental rights by God;

known as father of English Common Law

• Baron Charles de Montesquieu – Division of state (federalism) and separation of powers

Before 1730s, most colonies had established religions:

Congregationalists: New England

(basically Puritans)

Anglicans:

New York and Southern Colonies

(same as Church of England)

In the Early 1700s, many colonists lost the religious passion that had driven Pilgrims, Puritans and others to seek out a new life in America

1730s-1740 a religious revival began to sweep through the colonies lead by travelling ministers

“New birth” is ultimate religious experience

Followers accept that they are sinners and ask for salvation.

Great Awakening said anyone could be converted or “born again”; you didn’t need traditional church leadership to decide if you belong.

Great Awakening challenged authority and hierarchy of

established churches

“Old Lights”: Congregationalists and Anglicans).

Churches that grew as a result of the Great Awakening

“New Lights” : Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptist

Began in the New England Colonies and spread.

Travelling ministers preached that inner religious emotion was more important that outward behavior.

The Sermons appealed to the heart/emotions and drew large crowds

George Whitefield

Jonathan Edwards

Central Question:

Why was George Whitefield so popular?

Encouraged ideas of equality and the right to challenge authority

These ideas inspired future generations to challenge the authority of the English government

Lead to the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence

Answer the central question:

Why was George Whitefield so popular?

Answer on the back of the RLAH graphic organizer sheet.

Your answer should be in complete sentences, include an assertion (you answer), and you should back it up with evidence from the documents

Your answer should be at least a paragraph in length