Studied by 1 person
Colonial Families
Economic and social center of colonial life. People married at a young age and reared more children. 90% of people lived on farms.
Great Awakening
A series of religious revivals among Protestants in the American colonies between 1720-1755, particularly around 1740. (Religious leaders such as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards.) It led to the growth of evangelical and revivalist movements. The revival of Protestant beliefs was part of a much broader movement that was taking place in England, Scotland, and Germany at that time.
Jonathan Edwards
An American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist theologian. He is known for his preaching during "The Great Awakening" which centered on reviving dedication to God. Also known for his “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon.
George Whitefield
An English Anglican cleric and evangelist who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. He toured colonies, helping to spread the spiritual revival. Contributed to the Great Awakening through his powerful sermons, which called on personal commitment to God and inticed moral guilt
Cotton Mather
A Puritan minister and prolific writer during the late 17th century in colonial Massachusetts. Talked of inoculating people with smallpox to immunize them. He played a prominent role in the Salem Witch Trials, advocating for the prosecution of suspected witches.
Benjamin Franklin
A Founding Father of the United States who made significant contributions to science, literature, and politics. He is best known for his experiments with electricity, his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his writings on various topics. He negotiated French support for the colonists, signed the Treaty of Paris (1783), and helped draft the Constitution (1787-1789).
John Peter Zenger Case
Journalist who questioned the policies of the governor of New York in the 1700s. His court case was the basis for our freedom of speech and press. He was found not guilty. He established the first important victory for freedom of the press in the English colonies of North America.
