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How did the Enlightenment contribute to the rise of democracy?
The Enlightenment brought political modernization to the west, in terms of focusing on democratic values and institutions and the creation of modern, liberal democracies. Enlightenment thinkers sought to curtail the political power of organized religion, and thereby prevent another age of intolerant religious war.
How did Enlightenment ideas influence American democracy?
In turn, the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and justice helped to create the conditions for the American Revolution and the subsequent Constitution. Democracy was not created in a heartbeat. The American colonies began developing a democratic tradition during their earliest stages of development.
What were the ideas of Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment included a range of ideas centered on the value of human happiness, the pursuit of knowledge obtained by means of reason and the evidence of the senses, and ideals such as liberty, progress, toleration, fraternity, constitutional government, and separation of church and state.
Which Enlightenment idea do you think contributed most to the democratic revolutions in America and France Why?
I believe that Locke’s idea of natural rights contributed to the democratic revolutions in America the most because what the American people wanted the most was liberty. It was blatantly stated in Locke’s idea of natural rights, that all human beings had, by nature, the right to life, liberty, and property.
What impact did the Enlightenment have on American politics?
The Enlightenment had an enormous influence on democratic thinking. Enlightenment philosophers typically stressed individual liberties and often tended to be skeptical of authoritarian governments and institutions. One of the most important Enlightenment figures to address issues of government and politics was John Locke.
How did the enlightenment influence the idea of natural rights?
Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Jefferson advocated heavily for natural rights and challenged the divine right of kings. This became an integral part of democratic thought. The democratic idea of human rights is also closely linked to natural rights.
Is modern democracy rooted in Enlightenment thinking?
You have probably learned that the Ancient Greeks were one of the first civilizations to implement democracy. This is certainly true, but modern democracy is also strongly rooted in Enlightenment thinking. Enlightenment thinking, what is that?
What are the main ideas of Enlightenment thinkers?
Explore our resourcesforhistoryteachers wiki page to learn more about the Main Ideas of Enlightenment Thinkers. Enlightenment thinkers believed that rational reasoning could apply to all forms of human activity.