The Rationalism Movement

The Rationalism movement was a political, philosophical, and literary movement. This

movement changed America as a whole. Scientific thought was brought in and we moved away

from literature on our beliefs. It brought in rational thought globally. Everyone who contributed;

authors, scientists, etc., left behind our previous beliefs. As we moved away from Puritanism and

Americans wanted to move away from the British, the Rationalism movement was born. "The

term "Enlightenment" refers to the belief by the movement's contributors that they were leaving

behind the dark ignorance and blind belief that characterized the past". This is when the Diests

came about. They believed that God created everything, however not

Other countries like Germany and England were inspired as well. The

Rationalism movement impacted American literature by growing American spirit of our own

self-reliance, American culture by putting emphasis on the highest form of education, and

American society because we have the freedom and right to believe in whatever we choose to

also being supported with scientific information.

American literature was impacted because authors started relying on themselves on what

topic to write on. They had an open mind and most works were based on science (Wood 2795).

Censorship was still a let down for authors during Rationalism. Due to this, salons opened

Citizens now can do and believe in whatever they choose to. The American

revolution was the basis of the Rationalism beliefs, politically and socially ("Enlightenment").

The three people who are considered to be the most influential part of our countries

Independence are: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine. Not only were we

free from British control, but churches were no longer under control of the republic. (Wood

2797). Thomas Paine is most notably known for being the precedence for the Declaration of

Independence. Aside from attacking the belief in having slaves and slave trade, he made a 79-

page pamphlet called, "Common Sense". His pamphlet was a complete success and sold globally

("Thomas Paine" 66). This all started when he live in Britain and was not given opportunities for

his career. He was frustrated and met Benjamin Franklin and used his writing ability against

Britain ("Common Sense" 168). After the pamphlet was made, the Declaration of Independence

was signed. The American colonies were finally free from England. The colonies were done with

the way they were treated. "Common Sense" did have a tremendous impact on this