American History Road to Revolution American Way of

American History Road to Revolution American Way of Life Develops Coach Kirkwood 1

American History Objectives • What social classes existed in the American colonies by the mid-1700 s • How the Great Awakening affected the colonies • How the Enlightenment influenced ideas in colonies Coach Kirkwood 2

American History Colonial Society • Social Classes – Gentry • Upper class: Church officials, wealthy landowners, successful merchants – Middle class: Skilled artisans, shopkeepers, professional people – Lower class: Poor farmers, free servants, unskilled laborers – Slaves: Indentured servants and slaves • Social mobility – Unique society – Could move from class to class Coach Kirkwood 3

American History The Great Awakening • Occurs during the 1730 s and 1740 • It is a religious movement – Known as a revival • Started by preachers and religious people • Felt the country was moving away from religion Coach Kirkwood 4

American History Effects of the Great Awakening • Touches all people • Allowed people to see each other as equals despite social class • Drew the population of the colonies closer together Coach Kirkwood 5

American History Enlightenment • The Age of Reason • Emphasized science and reason as the guides to life • Inspired by John Locke – Wrote about the social contract • The purpose of government was to protect the peoples rights • Provides the colonists with the belief that they have natural rights Coach Kirkwood 6

American History Travel and Communication • Ben Franklin improves mail service • Allows colonist to communicate with each other much more quickly • Roads were becoming improved • Allows for easier travel Coach Kirkwood 7

American History Discussion • What was the cause and effect of newspapers and transportation on the American colonists Coach Kirkwood 8

American History Assignment • Read 183— 188 • Questions pg. 188 Coach Kirkwood 9

American History What you have learned today • What social classes existed in the American colonies by the mid-1700 s • How the Great Awakening affected the colonies • How the Enlightenment influenced ideas in colonies Coach Kirkwood 10