1 / 11

A nation is born 1750 – 1800’s

The American Revolution and the Age of Reason. A nation is born 1750 – 1800’s. By 1750, there were 4 th and 5 th generation Americans of European descent in New England. Many people had not yet thought of independence.

chelsi
Download Presentation

A nation is born 1750 – 1800’s

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The American Revolution and the Age of Reason A nation is born 1750 – 1800’s

  2. By 1750, there were 4th and 5th generation Americans of European descent in New England. Many people had not yet thought of independence. Americans grew angry, however, when the king began to threaten the liberties of the colonists. History

  3. The 1700’s (18th century) is characterized by enlightenment, based on ideas from 17th century thinkers of philosophy, politics, and science. There is a shift from religious idealism to scientific enlightenment. The age of reason

  4. Decade long French and Indian War between England and France for control of North America. • England won but needed a way to pay off the war debt. • Higher / new taxes imposed upon colonists. • Stamp Act • Townshend Act The root of strife

  5. First Continental Congress • The American Revolution begins and lasts for 6 years. • Much conflict over how to govern the new nation • George Washington elected first president A plan for action

  6. In a time of crisis, politics became the predominant literature. • Members of opposing sides had to persuade others to join their cause • Persuasion Literature of the period

  7. Each literary period happens in reaction to the one before it. • Loyalists wanted to remain loyal to Great Britain, while others wanted total independence. • Speeches • Pamphlets • Letters • Government documents The art of persuasion

  8. Rationalism • Naturally, the universe is orderly and good • The universe works like a clock, managing and running itself • Reason and rational thought is valued over religious faith, imagination, and intuition • Deism • God created the universe but “walked away” and left us in control of everything (free will) • God does NOT interfere with the running of the universe Beliefs of the time

  9. BEN FRANKLIN (1706-1790) Worked as a printer from his teens until his 40s 16-writing parts of brother’s newspaper under the name “Silence Dogood” Satirized politics and daily life in Boston Satire-making fun of something in hopes that it will eventually change Opened own print shop and began the annual publication Poor Richard’s Almanac

  10. “The Father of His Country” Retired at 42 Politics drafting Dec. of Independ. Frech support during Rev. peace treaty with Britain drafting Constitution Ambassador to Eng. & Fran. Science Lightning rod, bi-focals, new stove, earthquakes, ocean currents, laws of electricity

  11. Autobiography Wrote 1st section at 65 in 1771 Friends begged for more, so he wrote 3 more sections Died shortly after finishing in 1790 Only accounts for his life from 1757-1759 (never finished) -Gives his opinions and suggestions about life -Provides a record of his achievements and understanding of his character

More Related