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3: Revolutionary and Early National Period Literature

  • Page ID
    57441
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    Learning Objectives

    After reading this chapter, students will be able to

    • Identify historical characteristics of the Revolutionary or Early National period in America.
    • Place the French and Indian War within its larger social, cultural, and historical context, in both North America and Europe.
    • Understand the diverse and numerous circumstances contributing to the Revolutionary War, starting with the Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775).
    • Understand the purpose and effect of the Second Continental Congress and its Articles of Confederation.
    • Understand the purposes and effects of the Constitutional Convention (1787).
    • Identify the political viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-federalists and their respective contributions to the development of the United States federal government.
    • Understand the influence of the Enlightenment on eighteenth century American culture, particularly with the shift from Puritan theology to science, philosophy, and the empirical method.
    • Understand the relationship of eighteenth century American literature with the goal of human perfectibility.
    • Understand the inconsistent application of Enlightenment values of individual will, equality, and freedom among African slaves, Native Americans, and women.
    • Understand how the Enlightenment encouraged alternative religions and philosophies, such as Deism and Unitarianism, as well as a resurgence of Calvinism in the Great Awakening and evangelizing.


    3: Revolutionary and Early National Period Literature is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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