Posted: June 14th, 2023

Declaration Of Independence (Discussion #1)

Declaration Of Independence (Discussion #1). The tensions that arose between Great Britain and her North American colonies as a result of taxation and other measures following the Seven Years’ War culminated in war, a movement for independence, and the establishment of a new nation. The ideals that fueled the Revolution were grounded in Enlightenment Era thought. These same ideals still shape our vision as we continue to define American Democracy.

To prepare for this post, please review the links below to support your discussion:
https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/

https://www.ushistory.org/gov/2.asp

Answer the following question:

How did Enlightenment Era thought to influence the Declaration of Independence? In your answer, be sure to address how political thought evolved during the Enlightenment Era and how those shifts are represented within the Declaration of Independence.

Directly and completely answer the discussion question. Clearly and accurately explain your answer based on factual information contained in the assigned readings
Make sure that all statements are supported with facts from the sites provided.

The Enlightenment Era was a period of intellectual and philosophical growth that lasted from the late 17th century to the late 18th century. This movement was characterized by a shift in thinking away from religious dogma and towards scientific reasoning and individualism. The Enlightenment thinkers believed in the importance of human reason, freedom, and equality. These ideas heavily influenced the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is a document that outlines the reasons why the American colonies were breaking away from Great Britain. It was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, who was deeply influenced by Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Baron de Montesquieu.

The Enlightenment philosophers believed that all people had certain natural rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. They also believed that government existed to protect these rights and that if a government failed to do so, the people had the right to overthrow it. These ideas are reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which states that “all men are created equal” and that they have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It also states that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that does not protect their rights.

Another key idea of the Enlightenment was the concept of social contract theory. This theory posited that individuals voluntarily give up some of their rights to a government in exchange for protection and security. The Declaration of Independence also reflects this idea by stating that governments are established to secure the natural rights of the people and that when a government fails to do so, the people have the right to establish a new government.

Furthermore, the Enlightenment thinkers believed in the separation of powers and the importance of checks and balances in government. This idea is reflected in the Declaration of Independence’s criticism of the British monarchy and its assertion that the king had “combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution.” The document argues that the British government had violated the natural rights of the American people and that they had the right to form their own government that would better protect their rights.

In conclusion, the Enlightenment Era had a profound influence on the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. The document reflects many of the key ideas of the Enlightenment, including the importance of individual rights, social contract theory, and the separation of powers. These ideas continue to shape American democracy to this day.