Compare And Contrast The Enlightenment And The Great Awakening

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Both the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening encouraged Americans and colonists to question the validity of those that held powerful positions, thus causing conflict. The Great Awakening had a major impact on different religious associations. Although there were certain denominations that were focused on more than others, there was still strife between the rationalists and the evangelists. During this time people had doubts about the relationship between the church and state because of the fear that the government would interfere with religion. The Enlightenment on the other hand was not an attempt at overthrowing religion, however it was lenient to multiple types of religious beliefs. Colonists were generally more accepting during this time because a wide …show more content…

Having already started this time period off with the Proclamation Line of 1763 that enraged the colonists, next came the Sugar Act of 1764. The Sugar Act was made to reduce taxes on sugar imposed by the Molasses Act, and was also set up to prevent smuggling. At the same time as the Sugar Act, a Revenue Act as well as a Currency Act was enforced to further regulate the colonial economy. The different regulations and acts were enough to send the colonists into a rage that would further lead to rebellion. The Stamp Act of 1765 was basically a tax that was enforced on every piece of paper that was sold by British agents. This tax was to pay for British soldiers that were stationed and living amongst the colonists. British government claimed the soldiers were there for protection, however they were really there to enforce the Proclamation Line and see to it that no one takes any more Indian land. However, the Stamp Act was never implemented and was later repealed in 1766, thus showing us a further declination of the ties between Britain and American

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