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Colonial Experience, American Identity

Colonial Experience, American Identity. Interdependence ties together colonies Intellectual/cultural changes erode European traditions Opportunities add to sense of entitlement. I. The Age of Reason. “Enlightenment” Rational society. A. Rational self-interest. Repulsed by Salem

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Colonial Experience, American Identity

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  1. Colonial Experience, American Identity Interdependence ties together colonies Intellectual/cultural changes erode European traditions Opportunities add to sense of entitlement

  2. I. The Age of Reason “Enlightenment” Rational society

  3. A. Rational self-interest • Repulsed by Salem • “Self-made” menLiberty

  4. B. The English Connection 1. Isaac Newton 1687 – Principia Mathematica Natural Law

  5. 2. John Locke 1689 – Essay Concerning Human Understanding “tabula rasa”

  6. 1690 – Two Treatises on Government Contract Theory “Natural Rights” Life, Liberty, Property English Liberalism

  7. C. Churches • Deism Harvard theologians - “liberal” ProtestantismInnate evil? Innate authority?

  8. D. American perspective 1. Pragmatism Benjamin Franklin • active, confident, improving • Voluntary Associations • Self-education • Social improvement

  9. The First Great Awakening

  10. A. Revivals 1734-1775 1. Anglicans = George Whitfield Methodists = John Wesley Presbyterians = Gilbert Tennant

  11. 2. Jonathan EdwardsSinners in the Hands of an Angry God, 1741 - revive Calvinism God-centered universe predestination America cannot shirk its destiny - detested “money-grubbers” moral relativism

  12. B. Causes • Economic frustration / competition“River Gods” • Women

  13. C. Revivalism • American-style Protestantismalways looking for converts 2. Blends religion & politics 1760s Connecticut: Old Lights v. New Lights

  14. 3. Denominationalism: religious pluralism- end of state-supported churches - revivals split churches - breaks political power of churches

  15. D. Cultural basis of Revolution • Required no education: egalitarian • Gave poorer, rural colonists commonexperience • Experience was anti-authoritarian

  16. 4. Gave colonists common enemySatan “Millennialism” King of France (Catholic) King of England

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