Enlightenment: Revolution and Early Republic

Question 1

American Enlightenment

Answer 1

• a transformative era of 18th century
  -influenced by European Enlightenment
  -full of flourishing idea, emphasis on reason, individualsim, empiricism and a questioning of traditional authority
  -it led to the American revolution and forming the US
  -Key figures: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, etc
  -Literature became a tool for advocating revolutionary ideas (pamphlets and essay promoting american independence)
  -writers approached literature with a more analytical view
  -Rejection of puritanical ideas that limited social commentary
  -exploring them of nationhood and identity
  -enlightenmetn ideas continues to shape american liturature

Question 2

Benjamin Franklin

Answer 2

-a leading figure in the american independence
-an important diplomat in revolutionary war
his ideas were: rationalism, empiricism and pragmatism were in line with enlightenment

Question 3

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Answer 3

unfinished firsthand account of the lifee of BF
upbringing, scientific pursuit, political career, diplomatic efforts
4 part, reflecting on the time of his life during which they were written
3 part separated but the third continued to 4
talks about the importance of seeking science, enterprenuarship, self development and public service

Question 4

Thomas Paine

Answer 4

revolutionary, Pamphleteer, and Political activist
mobilised public opinion toward american independence
themes of republican ideas, individual rights and overthrough of the rule of Britain Monarchy