What was the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution?

The impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution was significant, primarily by encouraging the belief in individual rights and self-governance. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau introduced ideas about natural rights, social contracts, and the separation of powers, which inspired colonial leaders and ordinary citizens to question traditional authority and promote the notion that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This intellectual shift laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas about democracy and freedom.

The emphasis on individual rights during the Enlightenment was pivotal as it empowered colonists to view themselves as entitled to personal liberty and the ability to shape their government according to the principles of equality and justice. The Declaration of Independence, for instance, reflects Enlightenment ideals by framing the struggle for independence as a fight for inherent human rights and self-determination. This philosophical foundation not only justified the revolution but also served as a guiding principle for the new nation’s governance.