1 / 6

The American Enlightenment

The American Enlightenment. Early 1700s – Early 1800s. The Enlightenment (Age of Reason). Intellectual, scientific, and cultural movement that began in Europe.

lang
Download Presentation

The American Enlightenment

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 Enlightenment Early 1700s – Early 1800s

  2. The Enlightenment (Age of Reason) • Intellectual, scientific, and cultural movement that began in Europe. • Rationalism – belief that humans can discover truth by using reason alone, not relying on religious faith, past authority, or intuition • Saw reason as God’s gift to humanity • Key figures • David Hume • Immanuel Kant • Adam Smith • Isaac Newton • John Locke

  3. In America • Flourished in America due partly to the practicality and scientific tinkering part of colonial life • Both Puritans and rationalists believed America was the perfect place to build a utopia.

  4. Deism • Religious philosophy shared by many rationalists. • Basic beliefs • Universe was orderly • God did not intervene in human activities or break natural laws • Perfectibility of the individual through reason • Best worship was to do good for others • People are basically good • Human history marked by progress • Focus on principles that unite all religions

  5. Famous American Deists • Thomas Jefferson • Benjamin Franklin • Thomas Paine • George Washington

  6. Literature of the Era • Largely comprised of pamphlets, essays, and political documents • Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography • Considered the masterpiece of the period • Established idea of the self-made American

More Related