Question

"Evaluate the extent to which the Enlightenment influenced the colonial independence movement. Confine your answer to the time period between 1754 and 1776. Provide specific evidence to justify your answer."

Answer 1

One of the most important influences that led to the colonial independence movement was the Enlightenment. During the Enlightenment, philosophers debated concepts such as natural rights, freedom of religion and the equality of men. They also emphasized the importance of the reason and the right of people to participate in government. This movement led to many political changes around the world.

One of these changes was the movement for independence in the United States. The Enlightenment contributed to this fight in many different ways. Colonists felt empower by the ideals of representation. They also began to believe that people deserved to chose their own government, and that government should be removed if it was not effective. An example of this was the pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine. This pamphlet summarized many of these ideas while presenting them as common sense.