Enlightenment Ideas Sparking American Revolution

May 4, 2024

Mindmap

Lecture Notes on Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

AP U.S. History - Unit 3

Summary

This lecture discusses the transformation in colonial attitudes towards government leading up to the American Revolution, focusing on the impact of Enlightenment ideas. Central to this transformation were the concepts introduced by philosophers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Baron de Montesquieu, which inspired the colonists to assert their rights and challenge British authority. The gradual progression from loyalty to the crown to a desire for independence, catalyzed by Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," eventually led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.

Key Philosophical Influences

  1. John Locke

    • Argued for a government based on the consent of the governed.
    • Believed in natural rights: life, liberty, and property, endowed by the Creator.
    • Advocated for self-rule through elected representatives, opposing hereditary privilege.

  2. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    • Introduced the concept of a social contract between the government and the people.
    • Emphasized that laws must have the consent of the governed; otherwise, they could be considered null and void.

  3. Baron de Montesquieu

    • Promoted the idea of a republic as the best form of government to preserve liberty.
    • Suggested the separation of government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to balance each other.

Historical Context and Events

  • 1765 Stamp Act Congress: Colonists petitioned as loyal subjects against the Stamp Act.
  • 1774 Continental Congress: Discussed responses to British legislative overreaches. Still hoped for reconciliation despite no desire for revolution at this point.
  • 1776 Common Sense by Thomas Paine: Shifted public opinion towards independence using relatable language and Enlightenment ideas. This played a crucial role in exploding the elite's philosophical ideas into the general populace.

Influence of Common Sense

  • Written in accessible language, bridging complex Enlightenment philosophies to the general public.
  • Advocated for independence from Britain, challenging the monarchy.
  • Greatly influenced the sentiment of the colonists and the move towards declaring independence.

The Path to the Declaration of Independence

  • The shift in colonial sentiment led to the Second Continental Congress in 1776 where independence was formally proposed.
  • Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, integrating Enlightenment ideas.
  • The Declaration was officially adopted on July 4, 1776.

Conclusion

The lecture emphasized how Enlightenment philosophies were pivotal in shaping colonial thoughts about liberty and government, progressing from loyal petitions for rights to radical calls for independence. The adoption of these ideas set the stage for revolutionary actions informed by the philosophies of rights and governance.

Next Steps:

  • Video Recommendation: For further enrichment, watching additional detailed discussions on Enlightenment's impact on other revolutions might provide deeper insights.
  • Further Reading: Engaging with primary texts from Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu could provide first-hand understanding of the ideas that shaped the American revolutionary ethos.
  • Preparation for Exams: Reviewing the implications of these philosophical ideas on the legislative actions of the colonies will be critical for AP exam essays.

Reminder: Subscribe for more insightful historical content, ensuring a comprehensive understanding necessary for excelling in the AP U.S. History exam.