Period 2:1607-1754 | AP United States History - Grade 9 PDF Download

Colonization

• Colonization: The process of establishing control over a new area, often involving the settlement of people from the colonizing power.
• Motives for Colonization:
  • Economic Gain: Colonizers sought resources and new markets for trade.
  • Religious Freedom: Some colonies were founded to escape religious persecution.
  • Political Power: Establishing colonies could increase a nation's influence and power.
  • Social Reasons: Colonization offered opportunities for social mobility and a fresh start.
• Colonial Impact: Colonization often led to cultural clashes, displacement of indigenous populations, and the establishment of new societal structures.
• Examples:
  • The British colonization of India had far-reaching consequences on the Indian subcontinent's culture and economy.
  • The Spanish colonization of the Americas resulted in the mixing of European and indigenous traditions.

British Treatment of the Colonies

• During the period before the French and Indian War, England followed a policy known as salutary neglect or benign neglect. This approach involved regulating trade and government in the colonies but interfering as little as possible in colonial affairs, allowing the colonies a significant degree of self-governance.
• England established absentee customs officials, enabling the colonies to largely govern themselves. This hands-off approach contributed to the colonies developing a sense of autonomy.
• The British authorities often turned a blind eye to the colonies' violations of trade restrictions, further fostering the colonies' independence and self-reliance.
• The autonomy gained by the colonies during this period played a crucial role in fueling revolutionary sentiments later on when the monarchy attempted to tighten control over the New World.

Helped fuel revolutionary sentiments

• Contributed to the rise of revolutionary feelings when the monarchy later tried to tighten its grip on the New World.

English Regulation of Colonial Trade

During the colonial era, Europeans adhered to the principles of mercantilism, a theory that emphasized the importance of maintaining a favorable balance of trade and controlling precious metals. The British viewed their colonies in the West Indies as more crucial than those in North America due to economic considerations. The colonies in North America primarily served as markets for British and West Indian products, as well as sources of raw materials.

Mercantilism

• Throughout the colonial period, Europeans followed the economic theory known as mercantilism.
• Mercantilists believed that a nation's economic strength relied on maintaining a positive balance of trade and managing the flow of precious metals.
• Colonies were valued primarily for their economic benefits, leading the British to prioritize their West Indian colonies over those in North America.

British Control of Colonial Commerce

• Colonies on the North American continent were viewed by the British primarily as markets for their goods and as suppliers of raw materials.
• The British government promoted manufacturing in England and imposed protective tariffs on imports that could compete with English goods.
• The Navigation Acts, enacted between 1651 and 1673, mandated that colonists could only purchase goods from England, sell specific products exclusively to England, import non-English goods through English ports, and pay duties on these imports.
• Furthermore, the Navigation Acts restricted the colonies from manufacturing certain goods that were already produced in England.
• Specific Acts like the Wool Act of 1699 prohibited the export of wool from the American colonies and the import of wool from other British colonies.
• The Molasses Act of 1733 imposed high taxes on sugar imports from the French West Indies.
• Despite these regulations, some New Englanders resisted paying the taxes imposed by these Acts.

Summary of Historical Acts

Navigation Acts

• The Navigation Acts of 1651 and 1673 restricted the colonies from producing certain goods that were already made in England.
• The Wool Act of 1699 prohibited the export of wool from American colonies and the import of wool from other British colonies.
• The Molasses Act of 1733 imposed high taxes on sugar imported from the French West Indies.
• Colonists from New England often resisted paying the taxes imposed by these laws.

Consequences of the Wool Act of 1699

• The Wool Act prevented the export of wool from American colonies and the import of wool from other British colonies.
• Some colonists responded by engaging in trade involving flax and hemp instead.

Colonial Resistance in the 18th Century

• Some colonists protested the Molasses Act of 1733 by dealing only in flax and hemp.
• The Molasses Act of 1733 imposed a steep tax on sugar importation from the French West Indies.
• New Englanders often refused to comply with the tax, showcasing early resistance against the Crown.

Colonial Governance Structure

• Despite strict trade rules, colonists maintained significant self-governance.
• Each colony had a governor appointed by the king or proprietor.
• Governors held powers akin to the king but also relied on colonial legislatures for financial support.
• The governor's authority was contingent on colonists' cooperation, influencing their rule.

Summary of Colonial Legislatures

• During the colonial period, governors held powers akin to the king but were financially reliant on colonial legislatures.
• The authority of governors rested on the cooperation of the colonists, leading most governors to rule in accordance with colonial interests.

Legislatures:

Colonial Legislatures:

• With the exception of Pennsylvania, all colonies established bicameral legislatures mirroring the British Parliament.
• The lower house functioned similarly to the House of Representatives, with members directly elected by white, male property holders, possessing the "power of the purse."
• The upper house comprised appointees who served as advisors to the governor, holding some legislative and judicial powers.
• Most upper house members were chosen from the local population and focused on safeguarding the interests of colonial landowners.

Pennsylvania:

• In Pennsylvania, the lower house operated akin to the House of Representatives, with members directly elected by white, male property holders, wielding the "power of the purse."
• The upper house was composed of appointees who acted as advisors to the governor, possessing certain legislative and judicial authorities.

Colonial Government Structures in America

• Most upper house members were selected from the local population and were primarily concerned with safeguarding the interests of colonial landowners.
• The British Central Government refrained from establishing a robust central authority in the colonies. This lack of centralization granted colonies a degree of autonomy, facilitating a smoother transition to independence in the subsequent century.
• Colonial efforts towards centralization were modest. The New England Confederation emerged as the most notable initiative in this regard. While lacking substantial power, it acted as an advisory body for northeastern colonies during disputes. Moreover, it provided a platform for colonists from diverse settlements to convene and address common challenges.

Provided Opportunity for Colonists to Meet

• Colonists from different settlements were able to convene and discuss shared issues.

The Regions of the British Colonies

• The colonies underwent growth, fostering nascent economies.
• An American culture began to emerge, distinct from the transplanted English culture.

Development of the Colonies

• Colonies progressed in their development, nurturing budding economies.
• An indigenous American culture emerged, diverging from the English roots.

Puritan Immigration

• Immigration of Puritans experienced a slowdown between 1649 and 1660 under Oliver Cromwell's rule.
• Puritans were disinclined to migrate to the New World during the Interregnum period.
• With the restoration of the Stuarts, numerous English Puritans relocated to the New World, bringing revolutionary republican ideals.

Summary of Differences Between New England and Chesapeake

• Many English Puritans migrated to the New World after the restoration of the Stuarts, carrying republican revolutionary ideals.
• Immigration patterns differed: in New England, entire families migrated, while in Chesapeake, immigrants were typically single males.
• New England had a more favorable climate, resulting in longer life expectancy and larger families.
• New Englanders settled in larger towns due to a stronger community sense and the absence of tobacco as a primary crop.
• Chesapeake residents lived in smaller, more dispersed farming communities.
• New England settlers were more religious and tended to live near meetinghouses.
• Slavery was uncommon in New England, whereas the middle and southern colonies heavily relied on enslaved Africans.
• South Carolina had a higher proportion of enslaved Africans compared to European settlers.

Colonial Settlement Contrasts

During the colonial period in America, distinct patterns of settlement emerged in New England and the Chesapeake region, shaping the social and economic landscapes.

Main Differences

• Stronger Community Bonds in New England
• Chesapeake Communities: Sprawling and Sparse
• New England's Religious Emphasis
• Slavery Contrasts Between Regions
• Enslaved Population Disparity in South Carolina

Let's delve deeper into these contrasting aspects:

Community Dynamics

• New England towns fostered tight-knit communities due to shared values and the shift away from tobacco cultivation.
• Chesapeake settlements were characterized by isolated farms, resulting in less cohesion among residents.

Religious Influence

• New Englanders prioritized religion, often residing near meetinghouses that served as centers for both worship and community gatherings.

Slavery and Labor Systems

• In New England, slavery was uncommon, whereas the middle and southern colonies heavily relied on enslaved labor due to larger farm sizes.
• South Carolina stood out for its high proportion of enslaved Africans compared to European settlers, highlighting the region's dependency on forced labor.

These settlement patterns played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscapes of the American colonies.

Other Early Colonies

Several colonies were established under proprietorships, where ownership was held by a single individual who typically received land as a gift from the king.

• Connecticut and Maryland exemplified this model.

Connecticut

Connecticut, which was granted a charter in 1635, notably created the Fundamental Orders, recognized as the initial written constitution in British North America.

• This charter was pivotal in establishing governance and outlining the rights of the colony's inhabitants.

Maryland

Maryland, bestowed upon Cecilius Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, aimed to serve as a refuge for Catholics while also seeking profitability through tobacco cultivation.

• Calvert's vision included fostering religious tolerance for all Christians, although conflicts between different faiths emerged.
• In 1649, the Act of Tolerance was enacted to safeguard religious liberties, but unfortunately, it failed to prevent religious discord from escalating into civil unrest.

Religious Tolerance in 1649

• Initially, there was religious tolerance for all Christians, but tensions between different faiths emerged.
• The Act of Tolerance was enacted in 1649 to safeguard religious freedom. However, this led to a religious civil war.

Act of Tolerance 1649

The Act of Tolerance in 1649 aimed to protect religious freedom but unfortunately resulted in a religious civil war due to escalating tensions.

New York - Historical Background

New York, once a Dutch settlement, was gifted to James, the brother of the king. Here's a brief history:

• During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a dominant commercial power, challenging the British economically.
• The Dutch established their initial settlement near present-day Albany in 1614, known as New Netherland.
• In 1664, Charles II of England seized New Netherland from the Dutch in a conflict. Subsequently, James, the Duke of York, was granted control.
• Upon becoming king in 1685, James declared New York a royal colony. Despite this change, the Dutch population remained significant due to favorable terms.

Colonial Settlements in America

1614

• In 1664, Charles II of England initiated a conflict with the Dutch Republic and successfully took control of New Netherland.

1664Charles II

• After James ascended to the position of Duke of York, and later as king in 1685, he declared New York a royal colony.

1685

• Under generous conditions, the Dutch inhabitants were permitted to stay in the colony, forming a substantial portion of the population for numerous years.

New Jersey

• Originally granted to associates of Charles II, who subsequently sold it to investors, predominantly Quakers.

William Penn and Pennsylvania

• William Penn, a member of the Quaker community, was granted a colony by King Charles II as a token of their friendship.
• Charles II, having a close relationship with William Penn, sought to relocate Quakers away from England.
• Pennsylvania, under Penn's governance, embraced progressive policies promoting religious tolerance and individual freedoms.
• Due to its abundant resources and effective promotion, Pennsylvania quickly became one of the most rapidly growing colonies.
• Although Penn aimed for fair treatment of Native Americans, his efforts yielded mixed outcomes.
• Penn signed a treaty with the Delawares, limiting land acquisition to what a man could walk in three days. However, his son later exploited the agreement by employing marathon runners, claiming significantly more territory.

Carolina Colony

• Carolina Colony was a proprietary colony owned by the English which was later divided into North and South in the year 1729.

North Carolina

• North Carolina was populated by settlers from Virginia.

South Carolina

South Carolina was settled by the descendants of English colonizers from Barbados. Barbados was known for its main export, sugar, and the plantations in South Carolina were operated by enslaved individuals.

Slavery in the Colonies

Slavery existed in Virginia starting from the year 1619.

• The arrival of settlers from Barbados initiated the era of slavery in the colonies, making the English the first to witness widespread slavery in the New World.

Englishmen's Encounter with Slavery in the New World

• Englishmen in the New World witnessed widespread slavery for the first time.
• Formation of Georgia was influenced by the conflict between South Carolina and Spanish Florida, leading to its establishment by James Oglethorpe in 1732, initially as a slavery-free territory.
• Georgia's initial stance was against slavery.

Shift in Georgia's Stance towards Slavery

• Georgia's anti-slavery position was reversed due to economic benefits observed in neighboring South Carolina because of slavery.

Introduction of Proprietary Colonies

• Proprietary colonies emerged as a significant development in the colonial landscape.

Changes in Colonial Status

• Most of the privately owned colonies became territories controlled by the king, allowing for increased authority over governance.
• Transition of proprietary colonies to royal colonies led to a more centralized form of control.

Royal Colonies

• By the time of the American Revolution, only Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland remained as exceptions to royal control.

Diversity in the Colonies

• The population in the colonies experienced significant growth, increasing from 250,000 in 1700 to 1,250,000 by 1750.
• During the 18th century, substantial numbers of non-English European groups such as the Scotch-Irish, Scots, and Germans migrated to the colonies.
• English settlers continued to arrive in the New World alongside the European migrants.
• By 1750, the black population in the colonies exceeded 200,000, with some regions seeing a higher number of black inhabitants compared to whites by the time of the Revolution.
• More than 90% of colonists resided in rural areas, reflecting the predominantly agrarian nature of colonial society.

Migration Patterns to the New World

• Substantial numbers of non-English European populations, including Scotch-Irish, Scots, and Germans, began migrating to the New World during the 18th century.
• Alongside these European groups, English settlers also continued to arrive in significant numbers.
• By 1750, the Black population in the colonies had exceeded 200,000 individuals.
• In certain colonies, the Black population would surpass the white population by the time of the Revolution.
• During this period, over 90% of colonists resided in rural areas.

Rural Life in the Colonies

• Labor in the colonies was divided based on gender, with men typically engaged in outdoor work and women handling tasks indoors.
• Opportunities for social interactions outside of the family unit were limited.
• The colonial society was patriarchal, where children and women were considered subordinate to men.
• Children's education often took a back seat to their work commitments.
• Women were restricted from voting, drafting wills, or testifying in court proceedings.

Colonial Society Overview

• Social interactions beyond the family were scarce.
• Within the patriarchal society, women and children held subservient roles to men.
• Children prioritized work over education.
• Women lacked rights such as voting, will-making, and court testimony.

Black Community in Colonial America

• Resided predominantly in rural areas, especially in the Southern regions.
• Living conditions varied, being notably harsh in the South.
• Enslaved individuals with specialized skills on plantations had relatively better treatment compared to field laborers.
• The experience of servitude was degrading.
• To cope with their struggles, enslaved individuals often formed strong familial and communal bonds.
• In the Northern colonies, Black communities faced challenges in preserving a sense of unity and heritage.

Conditions of Servitude

• Being in a state of servitude was degrading and humiliating for individuals.
• Individuals who were enslaved often formed strong family-like bonds and tight-knit communities to endure the hardships of servitude.
• Black individuals in the Northern regions struggled to maintain a sense of community and historical continuity.

Conditions in Urban Areas

• Living conditions in cities were frequently worse compared to rural areas.
• Immigrants migrated to urban centers seeking employment opportunities, but the jobs offered inadequate pay, leading to widespread poverty.
• Sanitation facilities in cities were basic, resulting in common outbreaks of diseases like smallpox.
• City life provided inhabitants with broader exposure to diverse populations and external influences, serving as hubs for progress and educational advancement.
• Centers for progress and education
• Citizens with anything above a rudimentary level of education were scarce
• Nearly all colleges established during this era primarily aimed to train ministers
• Early colleges in the North, including Harvard and Yale (founded in 1636 and 1701, respectively)
• College of William and Mary, chartered in the South in 1693

Regional Differences in the Colonies

• Diverse educational landscapes across regions within the colonies
• Varied emphasis on educational priorities based on geographical locations
• Differences in curriculum content and teaching methodologies
• Unique educational challenges and opportunities in different colonial areas
• New England Society and Trade

• New England's community revolved around commerce, with Boston emerging as the primary port city in the colonies. Trade was a pivotal aspect of the region's economy.

• Population and Subsistence Farming in New England

• The inhabitants of New England predominantly engaged in subsistence farming and adhered to strict Puritan beliefs, shaping their way of life and societal norms.

• Middle Colonies: Agricultural Focus

• States like New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey boasted more fertile lands, leading to a primary emphasis on agriculture within these regions.

• Economic Focus of the Lower South

• The Lower South, exemplified by the Carolinas, directed its attention towards cultivating lucrative cash crops such as tobacco and rice, driving their economy.

• Role of Slavery in Southern Agriculture

• While slavery was integral to plantation operations, the majority of Southerners sustained themselves through subsistence farming. In certain southern colonies, Black individuals made up a significant portion of the population.

• Chesapeake Colonies: Blend of Economies

• Maryland and Virginia, part of the Chesapeake colonies, integrated features from both the middle colonies and the Lower South. Slavery and tobacco cultivation were notably more pronounced in this region.

• Economic Diversification in Chesapeake

• Residents of the Chesapeake colonies not only focused on tobacco but also diversified their agricultural pursuits by farming grains and expanding their economic activities. The development of major cities set the Chesapeake apart from the predominantly rural landscape of the Lower South.

Chesapeake Residents and Economic Activities

• Chesapeake residents engaged in grain farming and diversified their economies.
• Development of major cities in the Chesapeake region set it apart from the predominantly rural lower South.

Major Events in the Period

Bacon's Rebellion

Bacon's Rebellion was a significant event characterized by social unrest and rebellion against colonial authorities in Virginia during 1676. Nathaniel Bacon led a group of discontented settlers in opposing Governor William Berkeley's administration.

• Background of the Rebellion in 1676:
  • Occurred on the western frontier of Virginia in 1676.
  • Frontier farmers were pushed into the backcountry as all coastal land had been taken.
  • Conflict arose as settlers encroached on Native American territory, leading to raids on frontier farmers.
  • Frontier settlers aimed to unite and expel the native tribes.
  • Efforts were hindered by the government in Jamestown, reluctant to engage in full-scale war.
  • Class tensions escalated as frontiersmen felt that the eastern elites considered them expendable "human shields."
• Role of Nathaniel Bacon and Governor William Berkeley:
  • Nathaniel Bacon, a newcomer, organized the farmers and requested Governor Berkeley's permission to form a militia and confront nearby tribes.
  • When Berkeley declined, Bacon and his followers attacked the Susquehannock and Pamunkey tribes, both English allies.
• Resolution and Significance:
  • The rebellion culminated in the sacking and burning of Jamestown after Bacon's death from dysentery.
  • A potential conflict between colonists and Native Americans was averted through a new treaty.
  • Often cited as an early instance of a populist uprising in America, highlighting the tensions between the frontiersmen and the colonial government.

Colonial Rebellions

• Rebels redirected their focus to Jamestown, resulting in the city being looted and set ablaze.
• The rebellion came to an end following Bacon's death from dysentery, leading to the prevention of further conflicts between settlers and Native Americans through a new treaty.
• Commonly acknowledged as an early instance of a populist revolt in America.

Stono Uprising

• Accounted as the primary and notably successful slave rebellion.
• Occurred in September 1739 close to Stono River, situated outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

Details of the Stono Uprising

• Approximately 20 enslaved individuals seized weapons and ammunition, resulting in the deaths of storekeepers and planters, alongside the liberation of several enslaved people.
• The rebels fled to Florida with the aspiration that the Spanish settlers would grant them freedom.
• Subsequently, the colonial militia intercepted the rebels in Florida, leading to an attack where some were killed, and most were captured.
• The captured rebels were later executed upon being returned.
• As a consequence of the Stono Uprising, numerous colonies implemented more stringent laws to regulate the conduct of enslaved individuals.
• The fear of slave uprisings intensified, with New York encountering a period of heightened suspicion and persecution.

1739 Stono River

• Approximately 20 enslaved individuals took weapons and ammunition, attacked store owners and planters, and freed several others.
• These rebels escaped to Florida with hopes of receiving freedom from the Spanish colonists.
• The colonial militia pursued them, resulting in casualties and the capture of most rebels.
• Those who were apprehended and brought back were subsequently put to death.
• The Stono Uprising led to the enactment of stricter laws in many colonies to control the actions of enslaved individuals.
• The fear of uprisings among enslaved populations grew, leading to a period akin to a "witch hunt" in New York.

Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. These trials resulted in the executions of twenty people, most of whom were women. The trials were fueled by superstition, fear, and social dynamics.

Causes of Accusations:

• Personal vendettas and rivalries often led to false accusations.
• Belief in the supernatural and fear of the unknown contributed to the hysteria.

Legal Proceedings:

• The accused were subjected to unfair trials with minimal legal representation.
• "Spectral evidence," based on dreams and visions, was considered admissible in court.

Impact on Society:

• The Salem Witch Trials highlighted the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process in legal proceedings.
• After the trials, there was a shift towards more evidence-based legal practices in the colonies.

Background of the Salem Witch Trials

• Took place in 1692, distinguishing it as not the initial witch trials in New England.
• Over the first 70 years of English settlement in the region, approximately 103 individuals, predominantly women, faced trials on charges of witchcraft.
• Unprecedentedly, more than 130 individuals accused of being "witches" were either imprisoned or put to death in Salem.
• Historians offer diverse interpretations regarding the abrupt onset and conclusion of the mass hysteria surrounding the trials.
• The region had recently grappled with the authoritarian rule of the Dominion of New England.
• In 1691, Massachusetts transitioned into a royal colony under new monarchs, granting suffrage to all Protestants.
• The ongoing war against French and Native American forces along the Canadian border heightened anxieties across the region.

Puritanism in America

• Puritanism's Influence in the American Context
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  • Puritan beliefs significantly impacted early American society.
  • For instance, strict moral codes and religious fervor were prominent features of Puritan communities.
  • Puritanism also influenced political structures and legal systems in colonial America.
  • These communities often enforced conformity to Puritan ideals, leading to instances of intolerance and persecution.
• Legacy of Puritanism in American Culture
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  • Puritan values such as hard work, discipline, and self-reliance continue to resonate in contemporary American culture.
  • Elements of Puritan ethics are reflected in American literature, with themes of redemption and moral introspection prevailing in many works.
  • The Puritan legacy has shaped American attitudes towards education, individualism, and the role of religion in society.
  • While some Puritan traditions have endured, others have evolved or been challenged in the context of modern American values and beliefs.

Feared Commercialism in Boston

• Concerned about the impact of commercialism on their religious beliefs, particularly in urban centers like Boston.

Puritan Decline and the Halfway Covenant

• Second and third generation Puritans exhibited less religious zeal compared to their forebears.
• In 1662, the Halfway Covenant altered baptism regulations among Puritans, allowing children of baptized parents to be baptized even if the parents hadn't experienced divine grace.
• Previously, to qualify for baptism, a Puritan parent had to have a personal experience of God's grace.
• Despite the changes, those who hadn't directly experienced divine grace were still restricted from voting.

Salem Witch Trials

• In 1692, various factors including religious, economic, and gender issues culminated in mass hysteria in Salem.
• Accusations primarily came from teenage girls, accusing notable citizens of consorting with the Devil.
• Initially supported, town leaders later turned against the accusers, leading to the end of the hysteria.

Evolution of Religious Landscape

• Post-original settlers, subsequent generations showed decreased religious fervor.
• By 1700, women constituted the majority of active church members.

First Great Awakening

• During the 1730s and 1740s, the First Great Awakening swept through the colonies and Europe.

Key Figures and Doctrines

• Jonathan Edwards, a Congregationalist minister, preached severe Calvinistic doctrines emphasizing predestination.
• George Whitefield, a Methodist preacher, promoted a Christianity rooted in emotionalism and spirituality.

Enlightenment Response

• The First Great Awakening is often viewed as a response to the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement stressing rationalism over spirituality and emotionalism.

Summary of Key Historical Events

• People who did not receive God's grace were restricted from voting.
• Various factors such as religious, economic, and gender issues led to mass hysteria in Salem in 1692. Accusations were primarily made by teenage girls against prominent citizens for consorting with the Devil, but the town leaders eventually turned against the accusers, ending the hysteria.
• Subsequent generations following the original settlers in Salem were generally less inclined towards religious practices.
• By the year 1700, women constituted the majority of active church members in the region.

Significance of the Year 1700

• The First Great Awakening occurred in the 1730s and 1740s, characterized by a wave of religious revivalism in both the colonies and Europe.
• This awakening was led by notable figures like Congregationalist minister Jonathan Edwards and Methodist preacher George Whitefield. Edwards emphasized severe, predeterministic Calvinistic doctrines, while Whitefield promoted a Christianity rooted in emotionalism and spirituality.
• The First Great Awakening is often seen as a response to the Enlightenment, a period marked by an emphasis on rationalism over emotionalism and spirituality.

Religious Revivalism in the 1730s and 1740s

• During the 1730s and 1740s, there was a significant wave of religious revivalism in both the American colonies and Europe.
• This revival was spearheaded by two influential figures: Congregationalist minister Jonathan Edwards and Methodist preacher George Whitefield.

Jonathan Edwards

• Jonathan Edwards preached strict and predetermined doctrines rooted in Calvinism, emphasizing the concept of predestination.

George Whitefield

• George Whitefield, on the other hand, promoted a form of Christianity characterized by emotionalism and spirituality.
• This religious revivalism is often viewed as a reaction to the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement in Europe that prioritized rational thought over emotional or spiritual experience.

Summary of Benjamin Franklin

• Benjamin Franklin epitomized Enlightenment ideals in America, showcasing the values of self-education and self-reliance.
• Beginning as a printer's apprentice, he evolved into a prosperous printer and a highly regarded intellectual.
• His creation, Poor Richard's Almanack, continues to wield significant influence in contemporary society.
• Famous for his groundbreaking work in electricity, he invented items such as bifocals, the lightning rod, and the Franklin stove.
• Franklin established noteworthy institutions like the first fire department, post office, and public library in the colonies.
• He ardently supported Enlightenment principles concerning education, governance, and religion.
• Initially revered as the favorite figure of the colonists, Franklin later yielded that title to George Washington.
• His diplomatic efforts in Europe were pivotal, leading to a crucial alliance with the French and a peace treaty that concluded the Revolutionary War.