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Early American Lit

Early American Lit. Up to the 1800s. Early Native Americans. Tribes not united against the European exploration Many tribes helped the early colonies by showing them how to plant, build canoes, and other survival skills Many died due to diseases brought over from Europe. Explorers.

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Early American Lit

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  1. Early American Lit Up to the 1800s

  2. Early Native Americans • Tribes not united against the European exploration • Many tribes helped the early colonies by showing them how to plant, build canoes, and other survival skills • Many died due to diseases brought over from Europe

  3. Explorers • Early writings from explorers like Columbus and de Coronado described the New World as peaceful, unlimited in wealth, and full of hospitable natives. • Cabeza de Vaca got lost and wandered for 8 years. His journals are the best written record of life in pre-colony America

  4. The Puritans • Harsh and strict • Wanted to “purify” the Church of England • Came over to set up societies that was patterned after God’s word. • Not the same as the Pilgrims, but close. • Great emphasis on education – founded Harvard.

  5. Salem Witch Trials • During the winter of 1691-1692, two girls started having seizures. They blamed this on the actions of a witch. The girl accused of witchcraft confessed and named off other witches in the town. This began a vast witch hunt with the only evidence being the young girls’ accusations. • Those who did not confess and point out other witches were hanged. • A total of 150 people were convicted. 20 people were executed.

  6. Symbolism in Life • The belief that things that happen in life have meaning.

  7. The Age of Reason • Rationalism – using reason to arrive at truth rather than rely on religious or past beliefs. • This belief turned America in to a powerhouse for new discoveries. • This occurred near the end of the 1600s.

  8. The Smallpox Plague • 1721 – outbreak in Boston • Cotton Mather, a Puritan involved in the witch trials, led the cause of inoculations to prevent and cure smallpox. This went against traditional Puritan views. Plus the idea came from a Muslim. • The inoculations worked and bridged the gap between the Puritans and the Age of Reason.

  9. Deism • The belief that God made it possible for all people to discover natural laws through God’s gift of reason – nobody is needed to speak for God. • Stressed humanity’s goodness • Practice this by doing the “greater good” • This mode of thinking eventually led to the formation of the Declaration of Independence

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