Rationalism Quiz

Intro to Rationalism quiz

When America revolted against Great Britain in 1776, the Colonists' actions were fueled by

influential political writings in favor of independence.

Rationalism roughly occurs from

1650-1750

Rationalism can be defined as

a movement based on the belief that human beings can discover truth by using reason rather than by relying solely on religious faith or intuition.

Rationalists, like Puritans,

believed that God created the natural world and its laws.

However, unlike Puritans, rationalists thought

that the universe operated without divine intervention.

Deism is the belief that

a God may have created the universe but no longer interferes in it.

What two important political documents in American history and literature were impacted by Rationalist thought?

the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

What was the name of the forty-seven-page pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in January 1776?

Common Sense

Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech successfully persuaded

the U.S. to arm the Colonies against Britain.

What important document did Thomas Jefferson help write?

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was the first American document to describe

the ideal relationship between a government and its people

What was Benjamin Banneker's purpose for sending the letter to Thomas Jefferson?

To challenge Jefferson’s thinking about race and end slavery.

Why was Banneker's letter an act of courage?

He was the first person to take on those who had all the power and challenge their rationale.

Banneker is particularly noted for being the first person to

observe the 17-year birth cycle of cidadas