Welcome AP U.S. History Scholars

The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening

Discussion Topic

Now that you've learned a little bit about life in the 13 colonies, let's take a closer look at the impact two movements, the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was the 18th-century belief that humans could use reason to improve human happiness by identifying and describing the "natural" laws of physics and human relations. It shaped the thinking of future Revolutionary leaders in regards to the "rights of man." Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and John-Jacque Rousseau influenced leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin before troubles began in the 1770s. These new ideas were later used in declaring America's break from Great Britain. and the Great Awakening.

The Great Awakening of the 1740s was a wave of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies, Scotland, and parts of Germany. Some important results were the founding of denominational colleges, the disintegration of New England Puritanism, greater toleration of dissent, and greater respect for individual spiritual choices., had on colonial life in the early eighteenth century.
In this activity, you'll read 10 pages in your textbook, and then you'll participate in a Discussion about the impact these two movements had on life in the colonies and on life today.
In your first posting, answer at least one of these questions:

• What are the similarities or differences between the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening?
• Is there anything in your reading that isn't clear? If so, post your question in the discussion. You should also feel free to respond to questions other students may have, or to comment on something you found interesting in your reading.

Once you've become comfortable with the concepts of the Enlightenment and Great Awakening, respond to one or more of these questions in your follow-up posting(s):

• What examples from American life today illustrate the values of either the Enlightenment or the Great Awakening?
• Do you think one movement has had a greater influence on American society than the other? If so, which one? Make a case and see how many of your classmates you can convince.
• Specific points you may choose to consider include: the importance of the individual, the notion of the perfectibility of society, ties to churches, and the idea of a social contract to protect the people's natural rights.

Required Reading

Before you enter the discussion, be sure to read the related pages in your textbook. If you are using Tindall and Shi, see:

8th Edition	7th Edition	6th Edition	5th Edition
Chapter 3, pages 149-159	Chapter 3, pages 138-144	Chapter 3, pages 141-149	Chapter 3, pages 152-162

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first post. Your instructor will give you another five points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.