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Rousseau
"He published an essay in which he described "savages" in a state of nature as free, equal, peaceful, and happy. When people began to claim ownership of property, Rousseau argued, inequality, murder, and war resulted." Rousseau caused many outrages due to his writing and his political views on different points. He had a large influence towards the free blacks and many didn't believe in freed blacks, causing colonists to react in a negative way towards his perspective (crf-usa.com) -
Voltaire
"He had made many enemies at the French court, and was imprisoned twice. Voltaire's writing caused major issues with the monarchy and aristocracy in France. He had also fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of religious beliefs, and freedom of speech." Voltaire influenced many blacks such as slaves who were free and who weren't free. He heavily believed on the freedom of speech which as well caused colonists to outrage due to them not believe in freeing slaves. (Blogspot.com) -
Locke
Locke was known as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, while his writings had influenced Voltaire and Rousseau, he had also influenced the American revolution and the Declaration. (Constitutionfacts.com) (FacultyHistory.com) -
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Enlightenment Thinkers
"Enlightenment philosophers John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau all developed theories of government in which some or even all the people would govern. These thinkers had a profound effect on the American and French revolutions and the democratic governments that they produced." All of these 3 Enlightenment Thinkers had seriously influenced the American Revolution due to the incredible amount of writings they had and speeches they all gave. (crf-usa.com) -
The Beginning of the American Revolutionary War
The beginning of the American Revolutionary War begun due to the tension that had been building between colonists and British Authorities. It had been caused due to multiple interactions with British troops and colonial militiamen. The war eventually begun in Lexington and Concord. (History.com) -
Paine
"In late 1776, Paine published The American Crisis pamphlet series to inspire the Americans in their battles against the British army." With these writings he had influenced many people including the founding fathers, and after reading these writings, people were much more supportive towards the Revolution. (Constitutionfacts.com) -
The Influence on the Declaration
The Declaration of Independence draws heavily on the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke. Most of what Jefferson wrote in the Declaration comes straight from Locke's ideas. (Constitutionfacts.com) -
Independence Declared
During the start of the Second Continental Congress, new additions to delegates such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson voted to form a Continental Army, having Washington as the commander in chief. (History.com) -
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Stalemate in the North, Battle in the South
"During the long, hard winter at Valley Forge, Washington’s troops benefited from training from French officers. On June 28, 1778, British forces attempted to exit from Philadelphia to New York, Washington’s army attacked them near Monmouth, New Jersey, the battle ended in a draw." This was one war that had begun due to lots of conflict between the Americans and the British, but in the end it had ended in a draw, and no one had the glory of victory. (History.com) -
Stalemate in the North, Battle in the South (Continued)
On July 8, a French fleet arrived off the Atlantic coast, ready to battle the British. An attack on the British at Newport, Rhode Island, in July failed, and for the most part the war ended in a stalemate phase in the North. (History.com) -
Montesquieu
The Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by French philosopher, Montesquieu, when drafting the Constitution. Montesquieu was trained in the classics as well as the law. "Most importantly, Montesquieu influenced the federal system of government, powers divided among three branches, and the system of checks and balances." Montesquieu had influenced the government due to his training in the law and his writings which influenced the Founding Fathers. (crf-usa.com) -
Thesis Statement
The American Revolution began for many reasons, including long economic, social, and political changes in the British colonies. A large factor towards the start of the revolution was the Indian and French War during the years 1754 through 1763. To conclude, a decade of conflicts between the British rule and the colonists, beginning with the Stamp Act in 1765 which had eventually led to the eruption of war in 1775, along with the drafting of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. -
Works Cited
constitutionfacts.com. “Voices of the Revolution: Two Great Thinkers.” Constitution Facts - Official U.S. Constitution Website, 2016, www.constitutionfacts.com/us-declaration-of-independence/two-great-thinkers/. History.com Staff, History.com Staff. “Revolutionary War.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history. -
Works Cited
Costly, Andrew. “BRIA 20 2 c Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau on Government.” Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2004, www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-20-2-c-hobbes-locke-montesquieu-and-rousseau-on-government.html. J.P. Sommerville. “JOHN LOCKE.” The Peasants Revolt, faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/367/john_locke.htm.
