They began to desire political equality
They began to desire political equality
The American colonists' view of government was shaped by both the Enlightenment and the powerful influence of "The Great Awakening". The Enlightenment strongly influenced the founding generation to value the use of reason in this life. "The Great Awakening" ensured that respect for and reference to God would also influence the founders. Both reason and religion are in fact evidently at work (though in different ways) throughout the founding documents of, and the original view of government in, America.
They began to desire political equality
They began to desire political equality
The Enlightenment emphasized reason, individual rights, and the social contract, encouraging colonists to question traditional authority and advocate for self-governance. Concurrently, the Great Awakening fostered a sense of personal agency and a belief in direct relationships with the divine, promoting egalitarianism and challenging established religious and social hierarchies. Together, these movements inspired colonists to seek a government that represented their rights and interests, ultimately laying the intellectual groundwork for the American Revolution and the push for independence.
They wanted to make sure the people had a voice in government
The idea / theory called "Trias Politica" as developed by Enlightenment thinker Montesquieu.
Montesquieu
The Age of Enlightenment had a profound impact on the new American government. One example would be the concept of natural rights, which was developed by John Locke.
Perhaps abandoning the idea of the "divine rights of kings" was a good idea.
The Enlightenment was a period of time when people developed new ideas about human existence, including peoples' basic right and the level of control they should have over their government and their futures
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Enlightenment and the Age of Reason, during the mid-18th to late-18th century.