🌍ap world history: modern review

key term - Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are the fundamental human rights that individuals possess simply by being human, often considered to be universal and inalienable. These rights include life, liberty, and property, and form the philosophical basis for individual freedom and democratic governance. The concept gained prominence during the Enlightenment, significantly influencing revolutionary movements and the development of modern political thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Natural rights philosophy was championed by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that individuals have inherent rights that governments must respect.
  2. The assertion that 'all men are created equal' in the Declaration of Independence is rooted in the concept of natural rights, highlighting their significance in the foundation of American democracy.
  3. The idea of natural rights played a key role in the justification of revolutions, inspiring movements for independence and reform across Europe and the Americas during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  4. Natural rights are often contrasted with legal rights, which are granted by governments and can vary by jurisdiction, while natural rights are seen as inherent to all individuals regardless of laws.
  5. The recognition and protection of natural rights have been essential in shaping modern democratic ideals and constitutions around the world, influencing debates on human rights.

Review Questions

  • How did Enlightenment thinkers contribute to the development of the concept of natural rights?
    • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke were instrumental in articulating the concept of natural rights, arguing that these inherent rights are fundamental to human existence. They posited that individuals possess rights such as life, liberty, and property simply by being human, independent of governmental authority. This philosophical foundation challenged traditional power structures and laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas about democracy and individual freedom.
  • In what ways did the Declaration of Independence reflect the principles of natural rights?
    • The Declaration of Independence explicitly reflects natural rights by stating that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This assertion was used to justify the American colonies' separation from British rule, emphasizing that government exists to protect these rights. The document not only embodied Enlightenment principles but also set a precedent for future declarations of rights worldwide.
  • Evaluate the impact of natural rights on revolutionary movements during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
    • Natural rights had a profound impact on revolutionary movements during this period by providing a moral framework for challenging oppressive governments. The ideas propagated by Enlightenment philosophers inspired significant events like the American Revolution and the French Revolution, where citizens asserted their natural rights against tyranny. This shift towards valuing individual freedom over absolute authority led to widespread calls for democracy, human rights, and social reform across various nations.