Historical and Cultural Connections – Writing with a Purpose in Mind

While traditional Puritans believed that an understanding of the universe was beyond the reach of man, Deists believed that the power of reasoning was given to them by God to help uncover truth. Rationalists were advocates of using reason and logic while drawing their own conclusions based on experiences, knowledge, and observations. This new way of thinking gave rise to an era of numerous scientific discoveries as well as social and political changes.

Perhaps it is for this reason that Patrick Henry's speech at the Virginia Convention was so powerful and persuasive. The people were ready and primed for change. They were ready to throw out the old ways of doing things and start making new laws. It was a time for revolution: revolution in thought, revolution in religion, revolution in science and technology, and revolution in government.