Which statement best identifies the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution?(1 point)
Responses
The social contract belief that the government should have total power motivated the colonists to rebel.
Rousseau’s creation of social contract theory influenced American ideas on government.
Thomas Jefferson’s idea that governments should not violate the natural rights of people was used to criticize the British.
Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement and identify the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution:
1. The social contract belief that the government should have total power motivated the colonists to rebel.
This statement is not accurate. The social contract theory holds that the government's power should be limited and based on the consent of the governed. Therefore, this belief would not motivate the colonists to rebel against the British monarchy.
2. Rousseau’s creation of social contract theory influenced American ideas on government.
This statement is accurate. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's social contract theory had a significant impact on American political thought. It emphasized the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed and protect the natural rights of its citizens. These principles were influential in shaping the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States.
3. Thomas Jefferson’s idea that governments should not violate the natural rights of people was used to criticize the British.
This statement is accurate. Thomas Jefferson, one of the primary authors of the Declaration of Independence, incorporated the concept of natural rights into his writings. He argued that governments should not infringe upon these inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea was used to criticize the British government and justify the American Revolution.
4. Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
This statement is accurate. The Enlightenment ideas of democracy, natural rights, and fair government had a profound impact on the colonists. They were inspired by principles that originated from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. These ideas inspired the colonists to resist British rule and strive for independence.
Therefore, the statement that best identifies the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution is: Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.