The Enlightenment had a profound influence on colonial America in several ways. It supported the view that Christianity and rational thinking were compatible. Influential colonists like John Winthrop helped spread Enlightenment ideas. Figures like Benjamin Franklin embodied Enlightenment thinking through their scientific inventions and founding of institutions like libraries and universities. The focus on reason and order set the stage for America's system of balanced government designed through logical principles.

1. The Influence of Enlightenment
Thinking on Colonial America
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2. Image: http://host3.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-1284272029-medium.jpg
The first Puritans who settled in New England brought with
them a passion and conviction in their religious beliefs. The
Enlightenment had a profound effect on religion here in the
colonies and the way that we viewed progress. Many
Christians found the enlightened view of the world consistent
with Christian beliefs, and used this rational thinking as
support for the existence and benevolence of God.

3. In the colonies, the
Enlightenment was
appreciated by influential
colonials who were intent on
keeping up with the
Europeans’ advancements.
Among those responsible for
spread of the Enlightenment
in America was Professor
John Winthrop, the long-
time governor of
Connecticut.
Image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JohnWinthropColorPortrait.jpg

4. Be Franklin is probably the
person most of us recognize
from the age of
Enlightenment. In the course
of his life, Franklin owned a
printing press, published Poor
Richard's Almanac, founded a
fire company and a library,
and helped start a debating
club. He is also credited with
several inventions, including
the lightning rod, a glass
Image:
harmonica, and the Franklin
stove.
http://quotationsbook.com/assets/shared/img/2619/Benjamin_Franklin_by_Jean-Baptiste_Greuze.jpg

5. The Enlightenment also had an
impact on education. Franklin
helped found the College of
Philadelphia, which later became
the University of Pennsylvania. At
the same time, a spate of other
learning institutions arose, including
the College of New Jersey, College
of Philadelphia, Kings, Queens,
Brown, and Dartmouth. Though
these colleges’ primary focus
remained to train ministers, the
Enlightenment opened up education
beyond that single purpose. The
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establishment of public libraries and
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activism.

6. The Enlightenment’s influence on eighteenth-century America
should not be underestimated. Advances in science and the
arts, along with increased religious freedom, carried over into
modern society. The focus on balance and order set the
groundwork for an American governing system that included
a balance of power. Our founding fathers believed that by
using reason and logic, we could create a better form of
government. And, this we did right here in America!
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