Enlightenment values

Definition

Enlightenment values refer to the principles of reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority that emerged during the Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries. These ideas emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry, personal liberty, and the belief in progress, which significantly influenced political thought and movements, including the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment values were grounded in the belief that human beings could improve their societies through reason and education.
2. Key thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire advocated for ideas such as democracy, tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
3. The influence of Enlightenment values can be seen in the Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes individual rights and government by consent.
4. These values promoted skepticism towards monarchies and authoritarian rule, encouraging people to challenge traditional authorities.
5. The alliance with France during the American Revolution was partly motivated by shared Enlightenment ideals, as both nations sought to promote liberty and democratic governance.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment values influence the ideologies of key figures during the American Revolution?
  • Enlightenment values significantly shaped the ideologies of key figures during the American Revolution by promoting concepts such as individual rights, liberty, and equality. Thinkers like Thomas Jefferson were influenced by Enlightenment ideas when drafting foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, which echoed principles of natural rights. These values inspired revolutionaries to challenge British rule and advocate for a government that derived its power from the consent of the governed.
• Discuss the relationship between Enlightenment values and the French Alliance during the American Revolution.
  • The French Alliance during the American Revolution was deeply intertwined with Enlightenment values, as both nations sought to overthrow oppressive regimes and promote democratic ideals. France's support for the American cause was fueled by a desire to challenge British dominance while also embracing Enlightenment principles of liberty and equality. This partnership highlighted a shared vision for a world where reason and justice prevailed over tyranny.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment values contributed to both revolutionary thought in America and broader global movements towards democracy.
  • Enlightenment values laid the groundwork for revolutionary thought in America by emphasizing individual rights, governance by consent, and rational discourse. These principles not only inspired the American Revolution but also resonated globally, influencing various movements for democracy in Europe and beyond. The ideas propagated during this era fueled aspirations for social reform and political change worldwide, resulting in a ripple effect that encouraged people to demand their rights and challenge oppressive systems across different nations.

Related terms

Natural Rights: The concept that individuals are born with fundamental rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which governments must respect and protect.

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent to form governments to protect their natural rights, thereby establishing a collective agreement on governance.

Rationalism: The philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and should be used to evaluate and understand the world.