170 likes | 305 Views
So, where did founders like Thomas Jefferson get inspiration for the ideas present in the Declaration of Independence?. 1. The Enlightenment. T he Enlightenment. “The Age of Reason”… the 1700’s Used logic Questioned truths See it to believe it, discover truth for yourself
E N D
So, where did founders like Thomas Jefferson get inspiration for the ideas present in the Declaration of Independence?
The Enlightenment • “The Age of Reason”… the 1700’s • Used logic • Questioned truths • See it to believe it, discover truth for yourself • Rely on yourself (not the church) • “social contract” (government exists because people want it)
John Locke • People are naturally good • All men are equal • People have “natural rights”- life, liberty, and property • The government should get its power from the consent of the people • Governments should protect these rights
Critical Thinking Question • How do you think colonists were influenced by the Enlightenment? • Why would the ideas of questioning what you know be so important to early Americans and the American Revolution?
Where did it all come from? 2. Early Governments: • Magna Carta: • Justice based on Law and government held accountable to its people. • English Bill of Rights: • Established the power to tax was held by Parliament, right to petition the government • Mayflower compact (1620): • agreement to obey fair and just laws • Colonial Governments: • Elected Legislatures = self government
Act of Religious Toleration (1649): • First colonial act allowing religious freedom for Christians • Zenger Trial (1735): • Established the right of freedom of the press in the colonies. • Albany Plan of Union (1754): • confederation (alliance) of colonies for defense (rejected by parliament)
Critical Thinking Question • What do the Early Governments show you about what the colonists expected from their government?
Puritans: a very devout Christian sect (Calvinists) • 1700’s: lost popularity (it was too strict) • the “Great Awakening”: A series of religious revivals in the colonies • Tried to restore the intensity and popularity of the early Puritan church • Focused on sin and God’s wrath (anger) • Enthusiastic preaching, speaking in tongues, miracles • Beginning of widespread evangelism
Effects • Increase in higher education (Protestants founded colleges) • Increased diversity in the church (African Americans and Native Americans were encouraged to join) • Questioned the authority of the old, established church • Participated in public debate and action • Questioned the leaders • Our opinions count!
Critical Thinking Question 4. How did the Great Awakening effect the American Revolution?