Their writings, actions, and seminal documents reveal how deeply embedded Enlightenment principles are in the formation of American governance. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, leaned on John Locke's theory of natural rights. J. HE enlightenment IS distinguished from other periods of his tory by two major characteristics: 1) the widespread belief that it was superior morally and intellectually to all those periods which preceded it, and 2) the conviction that human faculties, reason or moral sense, are primarily responsible for this achievement. The four major influences were ancient thought, Enlightenment philosophy, the English tradition, and Protestant Christianity. First, the Founders studied ancient history and philosophy. They learned about the difficulties of maintaining self-government from studying Greek democracy and the Roman republic. Enlightenment Philosophy in the Declaration of Independence. The Enlightenment is generally considered to be the 17th and 18th centuries, originating in Europe. In the American colonies (later the United States), it was mid-18th century to the early 19th century. "Enlightenment" sounds like a pretty lofty word to describe a whole 200-year period! hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Montesquieu’s Influence on the Separation of Powers. The Montesquieu, another prominent Enlightenment thinker, also had an impact on the Declaration of Independence.. Montesquieu’s concept of the separation of powers – dividing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government – was adapted in the document, with the creation of the three branches of the US The Enlightenment's principles profoundly influenced the Declaration of Independence, articulating the inherent rights and liberties of individuals (natural rights), emphasizing the consent of the governed, and declaring the importance of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to The Declaration of Independence draws heavily on the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke. Much of what Jefferson wrote in the Declaration comes directly from Locke’s ideas about While the focal point of the argument regarded taxation, the Americans believed that their rights were being violated in other ways as well. As mandated in the so-called Intolerable Acts of 1774, Britain announced that American dissidents would now be tried by Vice-Admiralty courts or shipped to England for trial, thereby depriving them of a jury of peers; British soldiers could be quartered Thomas Jefferson and the others who wrote the Declaration were American colonists influenced by the new philosophies of the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers disagreed with the old system of monarchy - rule by a king - and promoted a new idea known as the “Social Contract.” When we examine what Enlightenment ideas appear in the Declaration of Independence, three core principles stand out: natural rights, reason over tradition, and the consent of the governed. Jefferson drew upon his education in law and Enlightenment philosophy when he wrote the Declaration of Independence (1776) and A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774), two treatises that grappled with liberty and slavery. Philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Paine emerged, advocating for the rights of people and the concept of self-governance. The movement laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas that would culminate in events like the American Revolution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Government gives natural rights to people, Natural rights include life, liberty, and property, Natural rights cannot be taken away by the government and more. Several key Enlightenment concepts directly influenced the drafting of the Declaration. These include: Natural Rights: Philosophers like John Locke posited that individuals possess inherent rights that predate and transcend governmental authority. These rights are unalienable, meaning they cannot be legitimately surrendered or revoked. The Enlightenment championed the notion of inherent individual rights and natural law, which serve as the cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence. Enlightenment philosophers argued that all individuals possess certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For a more general introduction to Locke’s history and background, the argument of the Two Treatises, and the Letter Concerning Toleration, see Section 1, Section 4, and Section 5, respectively, of the main entry on John Locke in this encyclopedia. The present entry focuses on eight central concepts in Locke’s political philosophy. The Declaration of Independence was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, particularly John Locke. It reflects Enlightenment ideals such as human rights, equality, and the social Describe the influence of Enlightenment philosophy on the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. Many of the Rights in the Bill of Rights were derived from the natural rights proposed by the 18th century philosophes and John Locke.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |