American Revolutionary

1. American Revolutionary Ryan & Josh

2. Characteristics • Began the belief of Deism, which was God does not have direct hand in events on Earth • School age at the time generally did not go past the age of 12 • College Education was rare • Most writings were political based • Literature included essays, speeches, and pamphlets • Writings were also about the war (American Revolution)

3. Characteristics • American writers began to work away from the Puritan style writings and ventured out to their own style • Their writings were said to be: • Logical • Political • Opinion based • Main objective was to find a voice against the European nations • Writings echoed the concepts of the battles and heroes of the time

4. Major Events • American Revolution took place during this time which had the biggest influence on the writers • The rides from Paul Revere and William Dawes • The Second Continental Congress meeting • Battle of Bunker Hill • George Washington named President • Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was published • Declaration of Independence • Articles of Confederation was adopted • US Constitution was adopted

5. Major People • Thomas Paine • Paul Revere • Benjamin Franklin • George Washington • Thomas Jefferson • John Adams • Francis Scott Key • Patrick Henry • John Hancock • James Monroe • Samuel Adams

6. Social Dynamics • Newly immigrated Americans were in high spirit before the war as they were ready to fight for freedom • America offered a bountiful of amenities for the new citizens • However, spirits began to dwindle once the war actually began and winter months grew cold • Once the spirits were low, this is when the great American leaders like George Washington and Thomas Paine began to influence all around • Obviously, during this time, our Founders were beginning the writing for independence

7. Authors Patrick Henry • Helped to write the American Constitution • “Give me liberty, or give me death” • Orator and politician who led the movement for independence • First and sixth governor of Virginia • Best known for his speech he made in the House of Burgesses • Henry argued for the House to mobilize the military into action

8. Thomas Paine • Most influential of the writers during this time period • Most notable piece of work was “Common Sense” • Famous pamphleteer and writer on religion and politics • “Common Sense” became the most widely read pamphlet in America • Attacked the whole concept of a monarchy

9. Benjamin Franklin • One of the Founding Fathers of the United States • Was a leading author, politician, scientist, musician, inventor, and civil activist • Most famous piece of work was Poor Richards Almanack • Frequently wrote under pseudonyms • Later printed Father Abraham’s Sermon • He is credited for the founding of Daylight Savings Time • Wrote about political and religious aspects of the time

10. Thomas Jefferson • Most notably known for the writing of the Declaration of Independence • Also wrote many other politically based writings such as: • Notes on State of Virginia • Jefferson Bible • Summary View of Rights of British America • All of his writings involved either a political or religious motive • However, he did construct an autobiography of himself before his death

11. Abigail Adams • Wrote to her husband feverishly about including something in the Declaration of Independence regarding women’s rights • “My pen is always freer than my tongue” • Wrote for the equal rights for women • Also wrote about slavery and her own religious beliefs • Wrote 1200 letters to her husband, John Adams, all regarding some aspect of religious or political notion

12. Common Sense • Most known and popular work during the time • Wrote by Thomas Paine • Most widely read piece of work during the time • Presented American colonists with the idea of freedom away from a monarchy • Also, talked about the current American affairs and what they could do to improve • Made a distinction between government and society • Talks about the military potential of the United States as well

13. The Age of Reason • Also written by Thomas Paine • This writing criticized the institution of new religion and challenges the legitimacy of the Bible • Was published three separate times and became a best seller in America • Britain feared this writing would cause a revolt and they viewed it more hostile • Talks about the corruption of the Christian Church • Says the bible is not a divinely inspired text, but a mere ordinary piece of work

14. Star Spangled Banner • Was a poem written by Francis Scott Key while the Americans tried to defend the attack from British Ships during the battle of Fort McHenry • This poem was originally set to the tune of a British song written by John Smith • The poem has four stanzas, but we generally only know the first one as our National Anthem • Recognized as official use for US Navy in 1889 • Made the National Anthem in 1931

15. The Federalist Papers • Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay • Series of 85 articles and essays. • Written under the pen name Publius • Madison wrote 26 • Hamilton wrote 51 • Jay wrote 5 • These articles were used to help get the new Constitution ratified

16. The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution Declaration Constitution • Written by Thomas Jefferson • The colonies declaring their independence from England. • Adopted on July 4, 1776 • Began the Revolutionary War • Written by the Philadelphia Convention • The supreme law of the United States • Written to replace the Articles of Confederation • Ratified on June 21, 1788