How did the enlightenment influence the American political thought?
The American Enlightenment is a term sometimes employed to
describe the intellectual culture of the British North American
colonies and the early United States (as they became known
following the American Revolution). It was a part of a larger
intellectual movement known as the Age of Enlightenment. The
American Enlightenment began during the 1690s but didn't become
fully realized until the 1730s. The origins of the American
Enlightenment are predominantly European. However Puritan culture
also contributed to the prominence of the Enlightenment in America.
Small Puritan religious colleges were one of the few places where
philosophy was discussed prior to the Enlightenment. During the
American Enlightenment these colleges rapidly expanded and became
the breeding grounds for the Enlightenment thinkers. Throughout the
colonies "Enlightened" individuals focused on classical writings
for inspiration. The American Enlightenment was categorized not
only by knowledge of classical writings but also an atmosphere
where people craved new knowledge and wisdom. It was that craving
that inspired people to make new developments in science, religion,
and politics. There was a large emphasis during the Enlightenment
for new scientific developments. One of the easiest ways America
participated in the scientific community was by exploring the
colonies. During expeditions through unknown territories explorers
kept very detailed journals noting any discovery of new plant or
animal life. Dr. Michael Sarrazin was an example of an explorer
whose scientific journals largely contributed to the scientific
community. Dr. Sarrazin took expeditions to document any plant or
animal life previously unknown in Europe. He then sent his journals
and plant specimens to Europe where they were studied at Oxford
University and The Academy of Sciences. The largest contribution to
scientific community came from Benjamin Franklin's works on
electricity. Franklin was convinced that new scientific discoveries
like electricity should be put to use for the improvement of human
life. Although the Enlightenment's effect on religion is often
overlooked, it was evident in America. John Wise, a Puritan
clergyman, supported Plutarch's claim that "to follow God and obey
Reason is the same thing." Wise began to preach these ideals and
immediately received praise from some of the best known enlightened
thinkers. Wise's "religion of reason" became very popular
especially in the Calvinist and Anglican congregations in the
colonies but found serious opposition when received by more
orthodox communities. Wise's "religion of reason" has a left a
lasting mark on the predominant Christian denominations today.
Probably the most influential aspects of the American Enlightenment
were political developments. It is without doubt that the ideas of
the American Enlightenment led to America's independence and the
principles of the Government America has today. Through
enlightenment ideals people began to think that a ruler had to be
held to higher laws. American political minds like Thomas
Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James
Madison were able to take the ideas of John Locke, David Hume, and
Adam Smith to create a government whose power was obtained from the
people. The founding fathers were able to create a checks and
balances system that held rulers to higher laws. They also sought
to create a government that would protect the natural rights of
man. Today, this is exemplified in the Bill of Rights.