Since the beginning of English colonization in North America, the colonists gradually adopted a more individualistic attitude towards England. The colonists began to view themselves as separate from Britain and felt victimized when they enforced numerous “policies” on the colonists. During the period from 1607 to 1745, the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening provided several boosts to the colony’s transition towards a democratic government. The Enlightenment helped the colonists to believe that they had natural rights and led to the challenging of British rule. The Great Awakening was a movement in the colonies that also contributed to the development of rebellious thoughts regarding the British and a desire for independence.
Both the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening assisted the colonists in realizing that they were born with rights. If those rights were being trampled on, then they were justified in defending themselves. This is definitely true in the case of the colonists versus England. John Locke was one of the main philosophers spreading the idea of natural rights. His ideas were even represented in the Declaration of Independence, a true example of the
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Now that they knew that they could overthrow the British government, the next gigantic leap would be to take their thoughts and put them into action. The colonists were developing their own idea as to how a government should be run. Several Enlightenment philosophers (Baron de Montesquieu, Jean Rousseau, and Cesare Beccaria) and Great Awakening thinkers (George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards) contributed their beliefs on how a government should function. Their ideas were mixed together to form the colonist’s definition of government. In their opinion, a government represented an agreement between the people and their ruler. It should do what is best for the greater good , as stated by Cesare
The aforementioned acts that sought to fuel the English economy also became political issues, as colonists began to question Parliamentary authority in the new nation while the “mad” King George III sought to solidify his own authority. Colonists began to believe that a physically distant Parliament could in no way represent colonial ideals, thus influencing the revolutionary ideas. The Declaratory Act’s passage and Stamp Act’s repeal only furthered this sentiment by displaying to the colonists that they held the power to influence Parliamentary decisions and, in this sense, challenge the authority that the government body held. The American colonists also found influence in European political issues addressed during the English Revolution of the previous century. John Locke’s writings specifically outlined the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property, influencing the later sentiments surrounding the American Revolution.
During the time of the Enlightenment and Great Awakening, colonists began to take a new view on life. The Enlightenment brought many new ideas and concepts on how the world worked. The Great Awakening brought forth the revival of a religious life. For example, throughout the Enlightenment, colonists started believing more in scientific theories rather than religious beliefs. Benjamin Franklin wanted to obtain the truth through experimentation and reason.
Century Enlightenment would be a period in which citizens of both Europe and the American Colonies would indulge in readings that would ultimately cause rationale and intellect to spread all throughout. Ideals of freedom would become evident throughout this period, leading towards the wanting of equality and true rights for all. The colonies at this time were being abused and battered by King George III, ultimately leading to the creation of the Declaration
The great awakening and the enlightenment are similar in many ways but different in others. One way they are both similar is that they both defy traditional authority. Another way is that it taught them to seek truths for themselves. This shaped their beliefs. However they still had many differences.
Impowering the Nation The Great Awakening and the Enlightenment (Deism) were both important in shaping the religious, political, and social lives of Americans. However, the revivals of the Great Awakening were able to reach more of the population and therefore gave voices to those previously uncounted. The Great Awakening was a time of excitement that included all facets of society within the colonies. The message crossed barriers and spoke directly to the individuals, it awakened emotions and gave life to those that participated.
These men sought for a greater sense of autonomy they experienced before the end of The French and Indian War. This autonomy, or benign neglect, led to the creation of a unique self-governing system with cultural differences between Colonial America and England. After Parliament’s lengthy absence, followed by abrupt reappearance, `The threat to colonial American lifestyle was the main reason for rebellion within Boston making the subjects conservative reactionaries because they fight for the way of life that was robbed from them. Some might argue the New England Whigs are radical revolutionaries, but a radical revolutionary must believe they are revolutionizing their society’s political and social structure. Generally, in 1775, most who opposed the Crown did not yearn for a new society; rather, they defended their traditional form of self-government.
Sephora Kodjo Professor Gina Flowers English 2131 February 11. 2015 The “Enlightenment” and the “Great Awakening” During the late seventeenth and early eighteen centuries, colonial America saw their most important changes. American cities became the major provider to colonial America’s economy. In instance, population increased outrageously with colonizers coming in quantity and due to the development of farms.
On one hand the fledgling government strived to apply considerably fair republican and Enlightenment ideas to the new system. Through this strong belief in the natural rights of life, liberty, and property, the colonists were able to unite and connect under one American identity. No longer did they identify with the despicable British, the colonists were now free, American men ready to reap , as stated in Document B, “the sweets of independence.” People were ready for the new promise of equality, with no all-powerful aristocracy or church to govern the day to day lives of the common. For example, Document D describes the freedom of religion in Virginia and thus showing a moderate progression toward the separation of church and state.
The relationship between Britain and its American colonies was civil at first but began to strain in the mid-1700’s. In the beginning, Britain ruled colonies with little involvement because they were busy dealing with the French and Indian War among other things. As a result of this, the colonies were typically left in charge of themselves with little interference from British authorities. After years of being left alone, the colonists had developed a feeling of freedom and independence. When the war ended there was a significant change in the relations between England and the colonies.
The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening caused major changes during the late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century in British North America. Not only did Americans change their way of life, but also religion became very important to them. A major religious movement became very influential during the colonial period and spread across British North America. People were exposed to the variety of religions and were able to pursue their faith in God. The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening greatly affected religion in British North America.
During the Colonial Era (1492-1763), colonists were justified in waging war against Great Britain; due to the inequitable Stamp Act, the insufferable British oppression, and the perceived tyranny of King George III, the king of Great Britain, however, the colonists were unjustified in some of their actions. In Colonial America, colonists were justified in waging war against Great Britain, because the Stamp Act was unfair and viewed as punishment. Because of the war, Britain had no other choice but to tax the colonists to pay for the debt. For example, according to document 2, the author states that the act was not only for trade but for “the single purpose of levying money.”
During the Enlightenment, the Americans did not longer agree with the divine right of the British king. The thirteen colonies wanted to pursuit different things such as life, liberty and the right to own their own property. “Rejecting the divine right of kings, Locke said that societies form governments by mutual (and, in later generations, tacit) agreement. Thus, when a king loses the consent of the governed, a society may remove him—an approach quoted almost verbatim in Thomas Jefferson’s 1776 Declaration of Independence” (History.com Staff). Who was Thomas Jefferson?
DBQ Between the years 1750 and 1776, England was locking down on the colonies, imposing lots of taxes against the colonists such as the Stamp Acts and Townshend Acts. Tensions were high between England and the colonies and the idea that a Revolution might take place wasn’t out of the question. And it was between those 25 years that colonists in America began to find a sense of unity and a sense of their own individual identities.
The enlightenment was a period of much intellectual and social growth. The way the people looked at the world changed. The people started to believe that all men were equal and free. The Declaration of the Rights of Man states “ men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” During the time period people had previously not thought of every person being equal.
Enlightened thought presented by Locke outlined the formation for a new government that served the people of the nation, restoring their rights and liberties, rather than just the