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    36 views3 pages

    Solved Question American Revolution-Child of Enlightenment

    Uploaded by

    Bilal Akhter

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Q: The American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment. Subject: US History-CSS-PMS By ir. Imran Zahoor PhD Scholar of IR WhatsApp: 0321-4800309 Introduction The American Revolution, which took place between 1765 and 1783, was deeply influenced by the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, characterized by a focus on reason, individualism, and political freedom, played a pivotal role in shapi ideas and ideals that led to the birth of the United States of Ameriéa\ Th Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement eds th century, emphasized reason, liberty, and individual rights. TI ding Fathers of America, including Benjamin Franklin, Thoma: n, and John Adams, were greatly influenced by the Enlighten inkers and their ideas, The American Revolution: Child o! htenment + Natural Rights and Equality: The concept ral rights, including life, ty, and properly, was a fundamental frinbiple of the Enlightenment. Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration pendence, wrote, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that éll men’are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator wit unalienable Rights.” This quote demonstrates the influence of \fenment philosophers like John Locke, who argued that all individu ssess certain inherent rights. The beliet in equality also inspired the Founding Fathers’ opposition to British rule, as they sought to sens jvernment that respected and protected the rights of al citizens. proposed the i a social contract between the government and the 6 Jefferson echoed this sentiment, stating, "That to secure ‘overnments are instituted among Men, deriving their just ‘the consent of the governed." The American Revolution sought h a government that derived its authority from the consent of the ed, aS opposed to an oppressive monarchy. This concept of the < | contract reflected the Enlightenment belief that government exists to erve and protect the rights of the people. * Social sire lightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau Separation of Powers: The Enlightenment also influenced the Founding Fathers’ advocacy for the separation of powers in government. James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers, "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." This quote retiects the Enlightenment belief in the necessity of dividing governmental authority to prevent the abuse of power. The American Revolution established a system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring that no single entity could dominate the others. By: Mr. Imran Zahoor PhD Scholar of IR Contact for More CSS-PMS Material WhatsApp: 0321-4800309 ‘ Limited Government: Enlightenment philosophers argued for limited government intervention in the lives of individuals. Benjamin Franklin stated, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." The Founding Fathers’ commitment to,’ individual freedoms and their resistance to excessive government The American Revolution aimed to establish a government that, a the rights of individuals while providing necessary rons 09 * The Power of Reason and Rationality: During the Enll reason and rationality emerged as powerful tools for ue wing and transforming the world. Inspired by these ideas, colonigts’irthe American colonies applied reason and logic to critically ana particularly taxation without representation. Thro! uasive arguments grounded in rationality, they fostered a growi Se of unity among the Colonists, who shared a common desire for sndence. By appealing to reason, the colonists were able to artiogilate their grievances and make a cog ca ose “fips aang to to Arorcan ye British policies, Revolution and the establishment Inited States of America. ° Freedom of Speech and he Enlightenment emphasized the importance of freedom of speceh and the press as essential pillars of a democratic sociely. Tho ferson stated, "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, that cannot be limited without being lost.” Founding Fathers: ent to protecting the right to express ideas and opinions without censorship. The American Revolution led to the inclusion of ae mendment, which safeguards freedom of speech and ress, ensu n dialogue and the dissemination of information. luiry and Progress: The Enlightenment fostered a spirit of ity and a belief in progress through reason and knowledge. Franklin, a renowned scientist, famously said, "An investment in ige pays the best interest. Founding Fathers’ recognition of the irtance of siete discovery and its impact on societal progress. The merican Revolution contributed to a climate that promoted scientific WE leading to innovations and improvements in various fields. ‘> Emphasis on Education and Enlightenment: Enlightenment thinkers placed a strong emphasis on education as a catalyst for societal progress. and individual empowerment. Inspired by these ideas, American revolutionaries recognized the critical role education played in cultivating an enlightened citizenry capable of participating in sef-government. Consequently, efforts were made during the Revolutionary era to establish schools and universities across the colonies. By prioritizing education, the revolutionaries sought to equip individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to actively engage in the democratic process and contribute to the future development of the newly formed United States. International Influence: The Enlightenment’s ideals had a profound impact, beyond American borders, inspiring movements for liberty and independence worldwide. Thomas Paine, an influential figure in the American Revolution, wrote, "The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind.” Founding Fathers’ understanding that the principles underlying the American Revolution had universal significance. The American Revolution served as a catalyst for other nations seeking self- influence of Enlightenment ideas. ye determination, such as the French Revolution, showcasing the ORY Conclusion av In conclusion, the American Revolution can be viewed8.the offspring of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, a philosobbleal movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and the purguil of liberty, had a profound impact on the thinking of Americ nists. Influential Enlightenment ideas, such as natural rights, tract theory, and the belief in popular sovereignty, laid t! ual groundwork for the revolution. The colonists’ desire for indi nce from British rule was fueled by their newfound understa ier inherent rights and their rejection of oppressive monarch ightenment thinkers, including John Locke and Thomas Paine, provided the intellectual framework that inspired the colonists to ch British Crown and establish a new nation based on principh ;dom and self-governance. Thus, the American Revolution seen as the direct result of the Enlightenment's ides ‘ing root in the hearts and minds of the colonists, making it child of the Enlightenment. Ss > eV

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