While this is not an episode strictly following a historical event, it is still vital to the story of the American colonies, and America itself. I only scratch the surface in this episode, and focus mostly on the aspects that carried over to the Americans, but this era was filled with growth in the sciences, political theory, and economics, but also the arts, interpersonal relationships, education, and community. If there is an aspect of life that existed prior to the Enlightenment, it was challenged or promoted during it.
In America, the Enlightenment was key to the growth of ideals like liberty, and natural rights, which became vital to the revolutionary effort. Beyond that, the colonies became more literate, more connected via mass printing, thus allowing for the great awakening (the topic for the next episode) to take hold. The colonial elites followed along with the work of their European peers, and even expand upon the work across the Atlantic. By the middle of the 18th century, there was a strong roster of American enlighteners.
My AP notes cover this era with some good depth, but there is always more to say. So grab your quills and paper, and let’s fill in those missing pages…
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Music
Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø
Outro: Revolution - Willow McKenna
Sources
The Enlightenment - Ritchie Robertson
The Enlightenment in America - Henry F. May
Crucible of War - Fred Anderson
American Colonies - Alan Taylor
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