Enlightenment and Great Awakening in Colonial America

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Enlightenment and Great Awakening, exploring themes of individual freedom, religious thought, and political philosophy.

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Heliocentric Theory

The astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun.

Isaac Newton

An English mathematician and physicist known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Natural Law

A theory that certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature and universally cognizable through human reason.

Deism

The belief that God created the universe but does not intervene in it.

Atheists

Individuals who do not believe in God or gods, often advocating for rational thought and ethical conduct based on reason.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that governments derive their authority from the agreement and consent of the people they govern.

Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s, emphasizing emotional experience over formal church doctrine.

Jonathan Edwards

A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons, particularly 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'.

Radical Evangelists

Preachers during the Great Awakening who challenged established religious authority and advocated for a personal faith.

Mass Movement

A widespread collective effort or response by a large segment of society.

Religious Dissidents

People who disagreed with the official religious views or established churches in their colonies.

Itinerants

Traveling preachers who spread religious messages outside of established church services.

Toleration of Dissent

Acceptance of differing beliefs and practices, especially in religious contexts.

Political Freedom

The right of individuals to participate in political processes and make autonomous decisions regarding governance.

Colonial Assemblies

Legislative bodies in the American colonies that were elected by the property-owning male population.

Royal Governors

Officials appointed by the crown to oversee the administration of a colony.

The Pennsylvania Gazette

A newspaper published by Benjamin Franklin that played a key role in disseminating ideas of the Enlightenment.

Scientific Revolution

A period of rapid advancements in scientific thought, laying the groundwork for modern science.

Cultural Hegemony

The dominance of certain cultural norms over others, often seen in the context of religious or political control.

Emotional Religion

A form of spirituality that emphasizes personal feelings and experiences over dogmatic teachings.

Old Lights vs New Lights

A division during the Great Awakening between established clergy (Old Lights) and revivalists (New Lights) advocating for emotional faith.