The Enlightenment & the Founding of America

Enlightenment

Enlightenment- Scientific method can answer

fundamental questions about society Human race can be educated and all

people are important– Emergence of the middle class

Beliefs based on reason

I. Jean Jacques RousseauA. SwissB. 1700sC. Social Contract Theory

The people have the right to change a government that breaks the contract – to overthrow an unjust government

II. John Locke

A. Scottish Enlightenment thinkerB. Late 1600’sC. Natural Rights

1. Life 2. Liberty3. property

III. Thomas JeffersonA. American PoliticianB. Unalienable Rights

1. Life 2. Liberty3. _______________?

C. Social Contract gives people the right to “alter or to abolish” any govt. that threatens their unalienable rights

D. Author of the Declaration of Independence

Baron de Montesquieu

A. FrenchB. Early 1700sC. Branches of Government

A. Executive B. LegislativeC. Judicial

D. Influences U.S. Constitution

Puritans

A. Purify the Church of England from Catholic influence

B. Disillusioned with the English Church and migrate to the colonies to create a New England

Great Awakening

A. Once established in the colonies the Puritans became more secular

B. A series of religious revivals known as the Great Awakening aimed at restoring a religious society.