“the age of reason”
DESCRIPTION
“The Age of Reason”. American Literature during the Enlightenment. Age of Reason Top 5. Long Live the Patriot Reason is greater than faith. Success is measured by hard work and common sense. “God helps them who help themselves.” Rebellion against tyranny is necessary. Party Like It’s 1699!. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
“THE AGE OF REASON”American Literature during the
Enlightenment
Age of Reason Top 51. Long Live the Patriot2. Reason is greater than faith.3. Success is measured by hard work and
common sense.4. “God helps them who help themselves.”5. Rebellion against tyranny is necessary.
Party Like It’s 1699! The turn of the century saw a turn in the
ideals of Puritanical Colonial America. The “Witch Hunts” were over. Science and industry (hard work) became
more important than spirituality. The ideals of Deism became more
pervasive in society.
The Enlightenwha…? The Enlightenment in Colonial America
Term used to describe the intellectual culture in the Pre-Revolutionary colonies.
Took aspects of the scientific revolution of the late 17th century and applied it to human nature, society, and religion.
Political emphasis was liberty, democracy, republicanism, and religious tolerance.
Enlightenment also referred to as “The Age of Reason”
The Age of Reason Literary Forms of the Age of Reason• Newspapers/Pamphlets• Speeches• Government Documents• A little poetry• Biographies/Autobiographies• No Fiction
The Age of Reason Newspapers
First American newspaper was Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick
Boston, 1690 Printed one issue and was shut down after the
Massachusetts royal governor found it offensive
Boston News-Letter won his approval in 1704 Was careful not to offend authorities
The Age of Reason Speeches
Used to persuade movement towards revolt against England
Famous speech by Patrick Henry – Speech in the Virginia Convention - 1775
Denounced King George Urged independence “Give me liberty or give me death.”
The Age of Reason Thomas Paine
Published Common Sense in January 1776 Argued that Americans should fight for
independence Published The Rights of Man – 1791-1792
Support of the revolutionary cause in French Revolution
Imprisoned for speaking out against the execution of the overthrown French king
Wrote The Age of Reason while in prison – 1794
The Age of Reason Government Documents
Declaration of Independence - 1776 Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce -
1778 Treaty of Peace - 1782 The Constitution - 1787
The Age of Reason Poetry
Phillip Freneau Political writer, newspaper editor Wrote “A Political Litany” and “American Liberty” Anticipated the spirit of expansion
Phillis Wheatly The first African-American published poet Slave who was emancipated following the
popularity of her poetry Wrote “To His Excellency, George Washington”
The Age of Reason Biographies and Autobiographies
Most famous The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin – 1771
Written when he was 65 Wrote three more sections, but only brought
to account his life until 1759 Provided his opinions, advice, achievement,
and an understanding of his character
Benjamin Franklin - Author The only contributor to all four of the
documents that led to America’s independence
Wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack (1732 – 1757) Yearly publication Contained advice, information, observations
Benjamin Franklin - Inventor
Benjamin Franklin - Inventor
Bifocals Lightning Rod Odometer Fire Department Daylight Savings Time Glass Armonica
"Of all my inventions, the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction."