8th Grade American Studies Name______________________________
Unit 3 – Causes of the American Revolution Date_______________________________
Topic: The Great Awakening & The Enlightenment Period______________________________
The Great Awakening
Criteria
The Enlightenment
A religious movement that became
widespread in the American colonies in
the 1730’s & 1740’s
People began to rebel against church
leaders / question the “old” way to doing
things
New [Protestant] churches were formed
If people could have spiritual freedom,
then why not political freedom?
American Colonies – Mostly New England
Definition
Characteristics
Where did it take
place?
Social & political movement that began
during the 17th and 18th centuries in which
science, reason, & logic became the
foundations for gaining knowledge
Logic & reason were applied to all aspects
of society
People began thinking about how
governments were set up and run
Natural Rights -basic rights that ALL people
have (life, liberty, property, pursuit of
happiness)
Social Contract – relationship between
people and their government
Europe
