Lesson Plan 26 - The Literature of Colonial America.pptVIP

The Literature of Colonial America Colonial America: The colonial history of the United States covers the history from the start of European settlement and especially the history of the 13 colonies of Britain until they declared independence in 1776. Long elapse of time 1492-1607 and 1607-1776 Slow development literature: esteemed, notable literature was not until Benjamin Franklin. The first American writer, John Smith, and his well-known story about Pocahontas. New England and the Puritans In New England, the Puritans created self-governing communities of religious congregations of farmers. pg. 7 Emphasis on hard work and discipline. Roger Williams and the creation of the city Providence (capital of Rhode Island) The American Revolution Causes P15 England took economic measures to force American dependence on the mother country: 1. They hampered colonial economy by requiring Americans to ship raw materials abroad to import finished good at higher prices. 2. Politically, the British government forced dependence by ruling the colonies from oversees. 3. They taxed the colonies without giving them representation in parliament. The Literature of Reason and Revolution Presence of many political writings, not just theological writings, due to peoples desire for independence amidst a growing economy (pg. 15) A break from England: physically, economically, and in terms of literature (Americans sought to distinguish themselves from English writers) Influence of European Enlightenment ideas (Locke, Rousseau, Swift) and creation of an American Enlightenment which denounced extreme Puritanism and called for tolerance and secularism. Benjamin Franklin A writer that emerged during the Colonial period (1706-1790) and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Many famous contributions and a lasting legacy in American history. the first public lending library, first fire department a developed postal system many inventions (bifocal gl