the enlightenment & its influence on the declaration of independence

The Enlightenment& its influence onthe Declarationof Independence

The Enlightenment was a period that promoted human

intellect, reasoning, liberty and virtue.

John Locke• English Philosopher• Wrote “Two Treatises on

Government”• Advocated a civil society

based on natural rights• Any government that

rules without the people’s consent should be overthrown

• Influenced Voltaire

Voltaire• French Philosopher• Wrote “Letters

Concerning an English Nation”

• Lived in England from 1722-1734

• Spoke out against the British monarchy (king) rule over the people

Thomas Paine• English man who moved to

the colonies in 1774• Published “Common Sense”

in 1776 that called for American Independence from England

• “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.”

The Enlightenment influenced the men of the 2nd Continental Congress

who wrote the Declaration of

Independence…

Benjamin Franklin

John Adams

Thomas Jefferson

“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal…”

Thomas JeffersonDeclaration of Independence

“that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.…”

Thomas JeffersonDeclaration of Independence

“that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.…”

Thomas JeffersonDeclaration of Independence