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The American Revolution and Enlightenment

The American Revolution and Enlightenment. The Enlightenment. Enlightenment- Age of reason and science to explain human nature Age of rationalism (logical thinking) Philosophes- Philosophers and critics of society/government

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The American Revolution and Enlightenment

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  1. The American Revolution and Enlightenment

  2. The Enlightenment • Enlightenment- • Age of reason and science to explain human nature • Age of rationalism (logical thinking) • Philosophes- • Philosophers and critics of society/government • Believed in Enlightened Despotism- gov. w/ an absolute monarch who led through enlightenment ideas

  3. Influential Philosophers

  4. Philosophers • Denis Diderot- • The Encyclopedia; discussed all subjects and criticized government • Baron de Montesquieu- • Believed in balance of governmental powers and checks and balances; thought Englands gov. the BEST • Voltaire- • Criticized monarchs and nobles; called for equality and freedom of speech • Jean-Jacques Rousseau- • Believed in popular sovereignty b/c did not trust reason • Mary Wollstonecraft- • Womens’ rights

  5. English Expansion • After 1588, England became greatest trading force by 1760 • Trade w/ Russia, East, and N. America • Great Explorers/Pirates • John Cabot- claimed N. America • Henry Hudson- NW Passage • Sea Dogs- plundered Spanish and Portuguese ships; secretly worked for Elizabeth • Sir John Hawkes • Sir Frances Drake- 1st to sail around the world • Sir Walter Raleigh

  6. English Expansion Continued… • Colonization • British East India Co. • Major factor in o/seas policy • Built trading posts/colonies and N. America • Colonies governed self, but England in charge • Mercantilism and Colonies • Mercantilism drove English policy in colonies • Colonies existed for the sole purpose of England • Colonies could not manufacture (make) goods , or sell and buy goods not approved of by England • UPSET MANY COLONISTS! • Led to talks of revolution and Independence in N. American colonies

  7. George III Reasserts Royal Power • 1760 George III becomes king of England • George III feels Parliament has too much power • George III • Supervises gov. • Appoints own Prime Minister: Lord North

  8. Growing Discontent in Colonies • 1651 Navigation Acts • Restricted foreign trade b/w England and Colonies • Colonists feel unfair; “can’t tell me who to trade w/” • 1763 French and Indian War Ends • George III wants colonists to help pay for war • Pass series of laws to raise $ • 1765 Stamp Act • Tax on paper • Colonists HATE; “No Taxation w/o Representation” • GB repeal tax

  9. 1765-1775 Relations Worsen • 1773 Boston Tea Party outrages GB • 1774 Intolerable Acts • Name given to a series of laws passed after Boston Tea Party

  10. Patriots vs. Loyalists • American colonists were divided • Patriots- called for independence from GB • Loyalists- opposed independence; supported GB • 1774 First Continental Congress • Demanded full rights as British citizens • Agreed to meet again

  11. The Revolution Begins! • 1775 war begins in Massachusetts • Second Continental Congress meet & prepare for war • 1776 Declaration of Independence • Principal author Thomas Jefferson echoes Locke • American Colonists have natural right to “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”

  12. American Colonists WIN! • 1781 American Revolution Ends • New Government: • Article of Confederation • New American gov. gave power to the states • Very weak; never really worked

  13. The United States Constitution • Ratified in 1788 • Federal System of gov.- power with central gov. not states • 3 Branches (checks and balances) • Executive- President • Legislative- congress • Judicial- Supreme Court • 1791 Bill of Rights added • Influenced by Enlightenment • Locke- natural rights • Montesquieu- checks and balances • Rousse- popular sovereignty

  14. Big Picture… • Colonists broke away from powerful British rulers and created gov. that put the ideas of the Enlightenment into practice • Declaration of Independence and Constitution of U.S. were models for others

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