理性和革命时期美国文学-1.ppt

Part II The Literature of Reason and Revolution Historical Introduction Important writers Declaration of Independence Historical Introduction Two historical events 1. The American War for Independence 1775-1783 2. Enlightenment Theology dominated the Puritan phase of American writing. Politics was now the great subject to command the attention of the best minds. I. The American War for Independence 1775-1783 1. The writers held vitally important places in the movement for American independence. Freedom was won as much by their fiery and inspiring speeches and writings as by the weapons of Washington and Lafayette (In the American Revolution, Lafayette served as a major-general [少将] in the Continental Army under George Washington). The 13 original American states were persuaded to become a single nation by the arguments of statesmen and men of letters. I. The American War for Independence 1775-1783 2. Strict rules made by English government hampered the economic development of the colonies. The British wanted the colonies to remain politically and economically dependent on the mother country, which led to the colonies’ intense strain with England. So the American War for Independence broke out in 1775. I. The American War for Independence 1775-1783 (1) 1775, Lexington, beginning of the Independence War(2) July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence(3) 1778, alliance with France, turning point for American army(4) 1778, English army surrendered(5) 1783, formal recognition by the British government3. The procedures of the establishment of the new nation(1) colonies(2) states(3) federal republic--- the United States of America II. Enlightenment 1. Enlightenment The spiritual life in the colonies during the period was to a great degree molded by the bourgeois Enlightenment. (1) Originated in Europe in the 17th century (2) Sources: Newton’s theory; deism（自然神教派); French philosophy (Rousseau, Voltaire) II. Enlightenment (3) Basic pr