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The First Great Awakening
From several Protestant denominations came evangelist who brought to the forefront a new knowledge; that one can accept Christ on his/her own and receive salvation. This made the faith experience more personal. Began in Europe and spread across Britain and the American colonies, where "predestination and close reading of scripture" was practiced. America today is filled with different religions, each free to practice as they see fit, not relying on any one person to bring salvation for them. -
The Enlightenment
Beginning in Europe, a cultural movement that encouraged persons to think outside of what was accepted by most. The world at that time had a rigid way of thinking, but the Enlightenment suggested that individuals were capable of utilizing their own reasoning to acquire truth based on their experiences and what they saw happening around them. In America today, there seems to be no other way. There has never been a greater time than now that individuals have been such free independent thinkers! -
The Boston Tea Party
A fortune of tea was dumped into the Boston Harbor in protest of the tax laws the British had imposed, specifically on tea and other goods that British companies sold to the colonies. These tax laws were created as a possible solution to the debt incurred from the French and Indian War. The U.S. today still is a country that does not take kindly to being bullied or taken advantage of. Like then, we still have a strength that says we will fight back. -
The Declaration of Independence
After Great Britain ruling for many years, the 13 colonies which are now the United States of America, were at last victorious. No longer under the rule of the British; now a new nation. This document was approved on July 4, 1776, and explains why it was voted upon by Congress to proclaim independence from Great Britain. The 4th of July for us here in the U.S. is still a much celebrated day, and a reminder of our independence. -
Elect of George Washington
Highlighting what the country will continue to do, George Washington became the first president of the United States. True to Republican values, he served in favor of the Federal constitution, as did those who served along side of him. Like today, there served a vice president, secretary of state, secretary of treasury, of war; an attorney general, as well as a Supreme Court of Justices. The Presidential election is a big thing today, electing who is to govern over us for the next 4-8 years. -
The Bill of Rights
This bill was created in response to the Constitution, which many felt threatened the rights and liberties of everyday U.S. citizens. The Constitution concentrated on centralized power; the Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. By protecting their individual rights, this bill allowed several states more comfort with accepting the Constitution. Today, we still use the Bill of Rights, quoting it more when we feel like our rights are being infringed upon.
