Influence of Enlightenment and Great Awakening (Week 4)

Sep 5, 2024

Enlightenment and Great Awakening in America

Introduction

  • Focus on two major movements: the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening
  • Both movements influenced the American colonies towards independence from Great Britain

The Enlightenment

  • Originated in Europe in the 1700s
  • Challenged traditional views on the world and humankind
    • Scientists and philosophers revisited ideas about human nature, government, law, and religion
    • Ideas drawn from personal experiences and global texts/philosophers
  • Promoted the concept of the world governed by natural laws (e.g., law of gravity)
  • Influenced American thinkers like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson
    • Franklin popularized scientific experimentation and reason
    • Jefferson argued for natural rights, influencing the Declaration of Independence
  • Spread in America through education and literacy (especially among Puritans)
    • Books and ideas from Europe brought and shared among colonists

The Great Awakening

  • Occurred as Enlightenment spread, reducing religious influence
  • Introduced intense and emotional sermons by new clergy, including Jonathan Edwards
  • Led to religious revivals in the 1730s and 1740s
    • Large outdoor gatherings attracted diverse audiences
  • Resulted in new Christian denominations like Methodists and Baptists
    • Challenged the authority of the Church of England and Puritan views
  • Increased interest in higher education
    • Establishment of colleges like Princeton and Dartmouth

Enlightenment vs. Great Awakening

  • Enlightenment: Emphasized reason and personal thought
  • Great Awakening: Emphasized emotional expression and personal relationship with God
  • Both movements encouraged questioning authority and emphasized individual importance
    • Inspired colonists to question British authority

Influence on Independence

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

  • Argued that American colonies did not need Britain
  • Criticized British tyranny and advocated for American independence
  • Influential among the Second Continental Congress leading to the Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

  • Mainly written by Thomas Jefferson with contributions from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams
  • Justified the colonies' separation from Britain with Enlightenment ideas
    • Referenced John Locke's ideas of natural rights
    • Argued the right to overthrow a government that doesn't protect these rights
    • Declared "all men are created equal"
  • Listed grievances against the British monarchy
  • Essential document leading to the formation of the United States

Conclusion

  • The lecture concludes emphasizing the significance of the Declaration of Independence in creating the United States
  • Next focus: The American Revolution

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening and their impact on American independence, serving as a helpful study guide.