• Home Page
  • Impact Of Enlightenment In The Declaration Of Independence

Impact Of Enlightenment In The Declaration Of Independence

Superior Essays
Show More
Enlightenment ideas were highly embodied in the declaration of United State Independence. The major enlightenment ideas highlighted that each and every citizen has the right to reason, autonomy, and the notion that all human beings are equal by nature. In addition, enlightenment ideas stated that the government and religion are separate. In this essay, I will highlight how the different enlightenment ideas were embodied in the declaration of Independence in the United State of America. Enlightenment ideas affected Independence Declaration in U.S Constitution in different ways. Some of them include:
Citizens in a country have rights of liberty, pursuit of happiness, and right of life. In this notion, government was supposed to protect its members …show more content…
In this notion, the government was to abolish all nobility titles for the benefit of its citizens. The enlightenment idea was embodied in declaration of independence in U.S to protect the poor citizens from humiliation of the nobles using slave trades and slave punishments.
In conclusion, U.S government had a bigger role in declaration of independence but the major role was to protect its citizens and wealth. By embodying these enlightenment ideas, the government saved its wealth as well as the freedom of its citizens. U.S government succeeded in embodying these enlightenment ideas and that is why the government is the strongest in the world in both power and …show more content…
These ideas were formed on the premise that government’s duty is to safeguard people’s natural rights such as liberty, life, and property. Therefore, these rights could not be taken away as there were ‘unalienable’. However, when the government failed to perform its duties, Locke argued that they should set up a new one. These Enlightenment ideas about natural rights became the reason for the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, the idea of popular sovereignty (political power) was based on the disposition that government’s power comes from people. This was a radical novel idea because for years rulers claimed that their power comes from wealth, social status and God. Thereafter, the idea of popular sovereignty was incorporate in American constitution (Harris & Daniel,

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Enlightenment Ideas In The Declaration Of Independence
    • 452 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Enlightenment Ideas In The Declaration Of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence is the document that declares that the United States are separate from Great Britain. It is important because we are declared separate and it gives us certain rights and freedoms. It shows that the people have a word in the government and freedom in this country.The Declaration of Independence uses many of the enlightenment thinkers’ ideas and their ideas affected how it was created. The ideas of Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and others had a major impact on this document.…

    • 452 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Summary: Are The Founding Documents Still Relevant
    • 647 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Summary: Are The Founding Documents Still Relevant

    Thomas Paine once said that, “We have it in our power to begin the world over again”. As one of the Founding Fathers of the nation, Paine advocated for independence from the British by writing a pamphlet know as “ Common Sense” to the thirteen colonies in 1776. Great Britain held power over the United States from 1607 until 1776 because of their powerful government and military. The commonly known document, “The Declaration of Independence” was an official paper that the thirteen colonies used to proclaim their freedom. John Locke’s “Two Treatises of Government” and Jean Jacques Rousseau “Social Contract” are both documents that explain how the government may result after their independence is gained. Although the documents are against today’s government, there are other aspects that the United States citizens encountered to validate the relevancy of the articles.…

    • 647 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    The Nat Turner Rebellion
    • 969 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Nat Turner Rebellion

    Many English immigrants who came to America wanted to break free from Britain’s rule. One of the ideas that inspired the American Revolution was John Locke’s, “Two Treatises of Government”. Some of the ideas the “Two Treatises of Government” conveys, was that all people were born with God given rights, and it was the government’s job to protect those rights. (Class Notes, 9/27). Another idea that helped fueled the fight for America’s independence from Britain was the ideological movement known as ‘The Enlightenment’. People who promoted ‘The Enlightenment’, believed in science, religious freedom, and a government based on a democracy. (Class Notes,…

    • 969 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    How Did John Locke's Influence On The Declaration Of Independence
    • 581 Words
    • 3 Pages

    How Did John Locke's Influence On The Declaration Of Independence

    If the government becomes an absolute power, then a state of war will break out between the people and their ruler. In the Declaration of Independence, the government is created by the people for the people. This means that citizens will create a government that will protect their unalienable rights. In addition, the only power that the government has is given to them by the citizens in which they are governing. Ultimately, all decisions are made by the people for the greater…

    • 581 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Explain Why The American Revolution Was Inevitable
    • 705 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Explain Why The American Revolution Was Inevitable

    The Enlightenment was a movement in philosophy and literature, that attracted some educated Americans in the 18th century. A major influence on the Enlightenment and on American thinking was the work of John Locke. In his “two treatises of Government” Locke said that the government should respect the “natural laws” of the citizens simply because they are human. Furthermore, Locke argues that citizens had the right to revolt against its government, if it fails to protect their rights. Other Enlightenment philosopher extended on Locke’s idea of “natural rights”. John Locke’s work and stress on “Natural rights” got Americans pay more attention to their liberty and their rights. Locke’s work influences the American Revolution and later, sets the basic principles of the U.S.…

    • 705 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    What Are The Factors That Contribute To The American Revolution
    • 1051 Words
    • 4 Pages

    What Are The Factors That Contribute To The American Revolution

    The goal of the Enlightenment was to rethink basic structures of society. Key principles including reassessing government. This was the beginning thoughts on a government for the people and by the people. American colonist began to branch away from wanting to be under the control of the king of England and began coming up with a system that would be the best way to govern.After 1765 Americans became even more upset when they couldn 't get representation in England. Americans were being virtually represented by people who belonged to England rather than America. They began to protest “no taxation without representation.” More protesting and rioting took place. Americans were tired of being taxed, and not being represented in…

    • 1051 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    John Locke And The Enlightenment
    • 68 Words
    • 1 Pages

    John Locke And The Enlightenment

    The Enlightenment is a period in which people applied reasoning. John Locke was one of the most influential philosopher of this period. He believes that people were born and entitled to natural rights. These natural rights are life, liberty and property. he believes the purpose of a government is to protect these natural right and if the government doesn't people have the right to over throw the…

    • 68 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Enlightenment Idea Of Government Essay
    • 719 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Enlightenment Idea Of Government Essay

    There are many key Enlightenment ideas that are ideal to a democratic government. A few of those include the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, and the idea of separation of powers. The philosophic ideas from Europe were pasted to the Americas, and represented in the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence recognizes some of the rights and power of the people to split from Great Britain. Another Enlightenment idea of human rights is shown in the Magna Carta. Although every person is given their rights, there is always a limit. Separation of powers is the idea that if the powers are separated, no one will abuse their power.…

    • 719 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    Significant Examples In The Declaration Of Independence
    • 87 Words
    • 1 Pages

    Significant Examples In The Declaration Of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence set the foundation for American Government. It introduced fundamental ideas that formed the basis for human rights and how the United States government functions today. Significant examples can be found in the Declaration of Natural rights. One of the parts found in the Declaration of Independence. It states that all men are created equally and have unalienable rights. Further as you read on it also states that right of people have a right to abolish or alter a government if it becomes destructive.…

    • 87 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Majority Rule In Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence
    • 375 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Majority Rule In Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence

    Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. It focuses on the themes of independence and the will of the people. The timing of the declaration plays a major role in establishing the significance. However, some aspects outlined in the declaration are not prevalent today. Today’s times alter the meaning of Jefferson’s words, causing the American government to change.The Declaration of Independence announces the freedom of the 13 United States Colonies from Great Britain. Not only does it establish independence, but also it highlights the importance of majority rule. The states would not declare independence until all the colonies were on board. Furthermore, in declaring independence, the states listed complaints of the…

    • 375 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    How Did The Enlightenment Contribute To The American Revolution
    • 572 Words
    • 3 Pages

    How Did The Enlightenment Contribute To The American Revolution

    The Enlightenment was the root of many of the ideas of the American Revolution. It was a movement that focused mostly on freedom of speech, equality, freedom of the press, and religious tolerance. There were many enlightenment thinkers, but only 3 of many stood out to contribute to the ideas that led to the American revolution and still have an impact today. Montesquieu , John Locke, Thomas Hobbes thought different influencing American colonies, their opinions on the role of government, and how their ideas still influence us to this day.…

    • 572 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    To What Extent Was The Declaration Of Independence A Turning Point In American History
    • 1113 Words
    • 5 Pages

    To What Extent Was The Declaration Of Independence A Turning Point In American History

    With the creation of the Declaration, all men were said to be created equal which was vastly different from past beliefs where people born into a certain social class would always be considered above or greater than those under them. Every man was entitled to certain inalienable rights that could not be stripped away from them by any ruler or governing force which were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas influenced later documents in American history like the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The people had a right to free speech and press, which allowed them to freely express their opinions about the government without fear or being punished or imprisoned. The ability to worship any religion freely was likewise influenced by the inalienable right of liberty. There was no longer a need to fear persecution due to a religious beliefs or being accused of treason for speaking out against the government. The Declaration of Independence created and influenced a country in which the people were given far more equality and the ability live their lives how they…

    • 1113 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence
    • 571 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence

    According to the declaration of independence by Thomas Jefferson, he first started that all men are created equal. Every one has the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No one can be higher than others because of his background, power and money. In order to protect these rights, the people initiate governments; it is the duty of the government to protect the citizens of the country. Yet, the people have the right to change or destroy the government when it becomes destructive and manipulative. The long establish laws or rules should not be changed for light and transient cases. Thomas Jefferson also mentioned that it is the people’s right and duty to throw off the government when it comes a long train of abuses, usurpations and dictatorship.…

    • 571 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Great Essays

    American Revolution Enlightenment Analysis
    • 1442 Words
    • 6 Pages

    American Revolution Enlightenment Analysis

    Thomas Jefferson was a Virginia planter and lawyer who became an American statesman and philosopher during the Revolution. He was very educated and believed in Enlightenment. Jefferson’s Draft of the Declaration of Independence was filled with Enlightenment ideas. In Jefferson’s Draft of the Declaration of Independence, he stated that he attempted to produce “an expression of the American Mind.” (104) Not everyone agreed on Jefferson’s Draft because they had their own interpretations and wanted some adjustments to be made. One Enlightenment idea that was displayed were the natural rights of human in this statement “we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights”.(104) Another one of Jefferson’s Enlightenment ideas that was stated was “to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & institute new government.” (104) This statement represents the Enlightenment idea that people should have a say in government and…

    • 1442 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    The Importance Of Enlightenment In The French Revolution
    • 1499 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The Importance Of Enlightenment In The French Revolution

    Enlightenment is usually referred to as the ‘Age of Reason’. This age saw the appearance of new ideas relating to reasoning and rational thinking. Enlightenment philosophers not only supported but also promoted the concepts of equality and tolerance within society and taught people not just to accept but to question tradition. The chief principle of Enlightenment, which all of the philosophers began with was the fact that it was essential to replace simple and elementary rules based on motive and natural law for the complicated…

    • 1499 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
Ready To Get Started?
Discover
Company
Follow
©2023 Cram.com
Privacy Policy |  About Ads |  Site Map |  Advertise  | 
  • Cookie Settings