During and following the Revolutionary War 17751783 a

During and following the Revolutionary War (17751783), a need arose to organize and govern the people. Most literature was in the form of pamphlets and speeches, which were designed to persuade citizens to take action against an unfair king of England.

• By 1750, there were fourth and fifth generations of Europeans living in America. • They had power over money; colonial assemblies were locally elected; they were experienced in self-government.

People arrived at truth by using reason rather than authority of the past, religion, or an institution.

These rationalist thinkers were Deists. Deism was a religious outlook shared by many 18 th Century founders of our nation.

Deists believed that God created the universe but does not interfere in its workings.

According to the Deists, the world operates by God’s rules, and through the use of reason, we can discover these rules.

They also believed that people are basically good and perfectible.

Furthermore, since God wants people to be happy, they worship God best by helping other people.

• They had little interest in the life hereafter (a heaven). • They spoke of a social contract that formed basis of government. • This time was also known as the Enlightenment. • They value reason over faith. • They believe reason and science further human progress.

• Stamp Act 1765 There was a 10 year war between France and England for control of America. • Tax was needed to pay for war. • Citizens became angry. • Townshend Act 1767 Citizens were taxed on paper, glass, lead, tea. Revenue sent to England.

• People boycotted products. • The King dissolved Mass. • Legislature’s sent regiments in 1770 and fired into mobs (Boston Massacre). • He repealed then passed Coercive Acts known as the Intolerable Acts.

• 1775, General Thomas Gage sent 700 troops to Lexington and Concord for “shot heard round the world. ”

• Founded first public library • Known as a scientist and inventor • Owned print shop and published of The Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard’s Almanac • Known for his wit and charm

• Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses • Chosen to draft Declaration of Independence • Served as 3 rd American President • Outlined public school system

• Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses • Declared opposition to Stamp Act • Skilled public speaker – known for “Give me liberty or give me death!”

• Most effective political writer of the American Revolution • Published Common Sense, a 47 -page pamphlet which called King George III a “royal brute” and asserted that a continent should not remain tied to an island. This pamphlet sold more than 500, 000 copies in three months.

• Some personal poetry and letters written. • The majority of writing is pamphlets, speeches and other documents advocating a break with England. • 50 newspapers/40 magazines were published during this period.

• Broadsides were also popular. These were single sheets of paper printed on one or both sides dealing with a current event topic).

• Enslaved African woman • Stolen from Africa about seven or eight • Owned by the Wheatley family who taught her to read and write • Published first poem at thirteen