Want this question answered?
The core movement was based in France and Voltaire and Descartes are probably its best-known representatives. But even that core movement was heavily influenced by famous non-French Enlightenment thinkers like Immanuel Kant, Spinoza and John Locke. At the same time there were several other Enlightenment movements, like in Scotland, Russia, Poland, North America and Spain. So it's really a series of related movements in the 18th century.
Enlightenment
The major philosopher who had the greatest influence on Augustine was Plotinus, who was a neo-Platonic thinker. Augustine's chief problem was to make the doctrines of Christianity internally coherent. His attempt to do that relied more heavily on Plotinus than on anyone else (except the authors of the New Testament such as Paul). .
He was mainly influenced by his mother, St. Monica, and by the scriptures of St. Paul, one of the famous apostles of Jesus as well as St. Ambrose who baptized Augustine as a Christian. St Augustine Of Hippo was heavily influenced by Manichaeism in his early years then Christian theology and scripture. In addition, Augustine was influenced by the works of Virgil (known for his teaching on language), Cicero ((known for his teaching on argument), and Aristotle (particularly his Rhetoric and Poetics).
Hippocampus
Enlightenment thinkers of Europe had a profound impact on Western culture and politics. For example, their ideas heavily influenced the American Revolution and the French Revolution, both of which were rooted in democratic ideals.
The Framers of the Constitution deeply believed in liberal, democratic ideas, heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers. These principles were important to the colonists, who felt that the British crown treated them unfairly and did not represent their interests.
The core movement was based in France and Voltaire and Descartes are probably its best-known representatives. But even that core movement was heavily influenced by famous non-French Enlightenment thinkers like Immanuel Kant, Spinoza and John Locke. At the same time there were several other Enlightenment movements, like in Scotland, Russia, Poland, North America and Spain. So it's really a series of related movements in the 18th century.
It depends which colonial leaders are in question. For example, American colonial leaders were heavily influenced by John Locke and his follower Baron de Montesquieu. For example, Ghandi, the great Indian colonial leader, was heavily influenced by Jesus and Thoreau as well as by thinkers from the Buddhist and Jainist traditions. .
Great Britain was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church.
USA
The Romans were heavily influenced by Greek culture and philosophy, adopting many ideas and practices from them. Additionally, the Romans were pragmatic and focused on practical outcomes rather than abstract thinking, which contributed to their reputation for not being original thinkers. They were adept at adapting and improving upon existing ideas rather than creating entirely new ones.
Enlightenment
American writings that were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas include those of Thomas Paine, whose works such as "Common Sense" and "The Age of Reason" championed freedom, reason, and democracy. Other key figures include Benjamin Franklin, who promoted scientific inquiry and civic engagement, and Thomas Jefferson, known for drafting the Declaration of Independence with its emphasis on natural rights and equality.
for century's Greek culture and philosophy has influenced modern culture. for example the Athenians influenced free thought and democracy which heavily influence western culture today, yet at the same time the Spartans heavily influenced military drill doctrines. thinkers and philosophers from Greece have influenced various man made ideas and still do today in fact some scientific and political influences can be traced back to the likes of Aristotle and Plato. when it comes to craftsmanship the ancient cities of Crete were fine craftsman and their work still influences people today
Theocracy
carl orff