Enlightenment Thought

Definition

Enlightenment thought refers to a philosophical movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This intellectual awakening challenged existing norms and influenced revolutionary ideas about government, rights, and society, laying the groundwork for events such as the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for the use of reason and scientific inquiry to understand and reform society, which greatly influenced colonial attitudes toward British rule.
2. The writings of Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Jefferson emphasized individual rights and the importance of self-governance, shaping revolutionary sentiments.
3. Ideas stemming from Enlightenment thought inspired events like the Boston Tea Party, as colonists questioned British authority and sought greater representation.
4. The Intolerable Acts were seen as a direct affront to the principles of liberty and justice promoted by Enlightenment thinkers, fueling colonial resistance.
5. The call for independence was rooted in Enlightenment principles that argued against tyranny and for the protection of citizens' rights, making these ideas foundational to the American Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thought influence colonial attitudes leading up to the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment thought significantly shaped colonial attitudes by promoting ideals of individual rights and self-governance. Thinkers like John Locke argued that governments should protect the natural rights of citizens, leading colonists to view British rule as oppressive. This new perspective encouraged resistance against British policies, such as taxation without representation, culminating in revolutionary actions like the Boston Tea Party.
• Discuss how Enlightenment ideas contributed to specific actions taken by colonists in response to British policies.
  • Enlightenment ideas were pivotal in motivating colonists to take action against British policies. For instance, when faced with the Stamp Act, which imposed taxes on printed materials, many colonists recalled Locke's arguments about natural rights and consent. This led to organized protests and boycotts as colonists asserted their rights. Similarly, the Intolerable Acts were viewed through the lens of Enlightenment principles, prompting increased unity among colonies to resist perceived tyranny.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Enlightenment thought on American political identity following the Revolution.
  • The long-term impacts of Enlightenment thought on American political identity are profound and enduring. The Revolution not only established a nation but also enshrined principles such as liberty, equality, and democracy into its foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These documents reflect Enlightenment values by promoting a government based on consent and individual rights. Furthermore, these ideas have continued to shape American political discourse and identity well into modern times, influencing movements for civil rights and social justice.

Related terms

Natural Rights: The idea that all individuals are entitled to fundamental rights simply by being human, which include life, liberty, and property, as articulated by philosophers like John Locke.

Social Contract: A theory proposed by thinkers like Rousseau that suggests governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and must act in the best interest of the people.

Rationalism: A belief in reason as the primary source of knowledge and a driving force behind human progress, central to Enlightenment philosophy.