Historical and Cultural Connections – Writing with a Purpose in Mind
Evolution to the Age of Reason
The Age of Faith represented a time in American history when man's interpretation of religion governed society. Common laws were rooted in religious teachings and governed by the theocracy. The transformation from the Age of Faith to the Age of Reason did not happen overnight. It gradually evolved from the early 1700s through the entire century. Many factors contributed to the change in Puritan idealism. In this interactivity, click on each of the tabs to explore various factors that ushered in the Age of Reason. Click on the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
Rise of Rationalism and Deism in America
As you have seen, the Age of Reason in America that transformed Puritan idealism had roots in the European Enlightenment. Take a moment to explore how new ways of thinking impacted the early colonies. In this interactivity, click on each of the spinning dots to learn about the rise of Rationalism and Deism. Click on the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
Writing With a Purpose in Mind
With all of these amazing discoveries and happenings taking place, is it any wonder that this translated itself into the writings of the time? During the Age of Reason, most of the literature served for purposes that were practical and political rather than for entertainment. There were more newspapers printed in the American colonies than anywhere else in the world, and pamphlets proliferated. Writers proposed ideas meant to effect change, especially with regard to liberty from the English crown. Taxes on tea, glass, paper, and paints were followed by strong protests through petitions, resolutions, pamphlets, essays, and speeches. Regionalism broke down as national interests grew and the colonists became more unified in their desire for independence.
In his "Speech to the Virginia Convention," Patrick Henry uttered the famous phrase that became the nation's rallying cry. Examining the vocabulary of the oration will further help to reveal its themes even before you study Henry's speech.
You may have already seen these terms in the module overview, but you will see these again in Henry's speech. Looking at this list of terms, what do you think the speech is about?
- adversary
- avert
- inevitable
- insidious
- inviolate
- martial
- solace
- spurn
- supplication
- vigilant
If you need to review the meanings of these terms, be sure to access the glossary.
Download and read Patrick Henry's "Speech to the Virginia Convention." As you read the text, consider the following questions:
- Who is Henry addressing during this speech?
- Why is Henry making this speech? What is his purpose?
- How does he get his point across?
You may also listen to a performance of the speech while following along and annotating the text provided.
Rationalism and Puritanism Review
Now that you have explored Rationalist and Puritan beliefs, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Read each of the following tenets and use the drop-down menu to select the philosophy that matches the tenet. Click on the player button to get started.