The Enlightenment & the American Revolution

The Declaration of Independence

• Written in July 1776• 2nd Continental Congress• Declared Colonial

Independence from Great Britain

• Authored by Thomas Jefferson, who firmly believed in Enlightenment ideas, especially those of John Locke.

The Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment

• Locke- Natural Rights: All people are entitled to “Life, Liberty, and Property.”

• Jefferson— “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

The Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment

• Locke—The purpose of Government is to protect people’s natural rights. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish the government.

• Jefferson—Listed many abuses by King George III, that impelled them to separate from Britain.

The Constitution

Enlightenment Idea U.S. Constitution

LockeA government’s power comes from the consent of the people (popular sovereignty)

• “We the People of the United States…”• Creates a representative government• Limits governmental power

MontesquieuSeparation of Powers

• Federal system of government• Power is split between three branches

of government• System of Checks and Balances

RousseauSocial Contract

• The people elect the president and Congress

VoltaireFreedom of Speech, Religious Toleration

• Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech and religion

• The Constitution set up the American government and includes many ideas from the enlightenment.