Enlightenment and The Great Awakening

I. The Enlightenment - The age of reason; a movement that began in Europe in the 1700's when people began examining the idea that reason and logic could improve society.

A. Significant Contributers1. John Locke - The government

exists for the people. There is a

social contract between govt. and its

citizens.2. Baron de Montesquieu - said

the only way to achieve liberty is

through the separation of powers in

the government.

Enlightenment ideas combine to influence the writers of the Declaration and Constitution.

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II. The Great Awakening - a religious movement that

became widespread in the American Colonies in the

1730'sand 1740's.

A. Attracted people from different religions, classes and races.

1. Women, poor people and

minority groups often took

part in the services.B. Ideas impacted politics -

spiritual equality led people to

demand political equality.*People deserve a say in government no matter their social status, gender or race

*Radical new idea for most

Enlightenment