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Humanities History Topic started by: riptor on Feb 3, 2016



Title: What was the Enlightenment, and how did it affect the development of colonial America?
Post by: riptor on Feb 3, 2016
What was the Enlightenment, and how did it affect the development of colonial America?


Title: Re: What was the Enlightenment, and how did it affect the development of colonial America?
Post by: ryann on Jun 18, 2019
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical movement that took place primarily in Europe and, later, in North America, during the late 17thand early 18thcentury. Its participants thought they were illuminating human intellect and culture after the "dark" Middle Ages. Characteristics of the Enlightenment include the rise of concepts such as reason, liberty and the scientific method. Enlightenment philosophy was skeptical of religion — especially the powerful Catholic Church — monarchies and hereditary aristocracy. Enlightenment philosophy was influential in ushering in the French and American revolutions and constitutions.

The Enlightenment had a major impact on the political and social ideologies of the colonists in the British colonies prior to the American Revolution. Notions of democracy, natural rights, and other philosophies related to revolution and governance were prominent in the colonies and helped to foment revolution there.