3.4 Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

Enlightenment Ideas Take Root

Colonial thinkers drew on Enlightenment philosophy, especially John Locke's ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the social contract — the belief that government's power comes from the consent of the governed and can be overthrown if it violates that contract. These ideas justified resisting British authority as tyrannical.

Declaring Independence

The Declaration of Independence (1776), written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, applied Locke's ideas to justify separation from Britain. It listed grievances against King George III and asserted unalienable rights, republican principles, and the idea that legitimate government exists to protect the rights of the people.

Republicanism and Religious Influence

Republicanism emphasized civic virtue, the rejection of hereditary rule, and the idea that citizens should actively participate in self-government. The Great Awakening's legacy also encouraged questioning traditional authority, fostering ideas of equality and individual conscience that fed into revolutionary thought.

Key terms

Natural rights

Rights inherent to all people (life, liberty, property) that government cannot legitimately take away.

Social contract

The theory that government's authority comes from an agreement with the people, who can withdraw consent if rights are violated.

John Locke

Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and consent of the governed shaped revolutionary thought.

Republicanism

Political philosophy valuing civic virtue, the common good, and self-government over hereditary rule.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Document authored mainly by Jefferson that used Enlightenment ideas to justify separating from Britain and listed grievances against the king.

Try an AP-style question

This passage most directly reflects the ideas of…

1. Thomas Hobbes
2. King George III
3. Niccolò Machiavelli
4. John Locke