Which statement best identifies the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution? (1 point)
• Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British
O Rousseau's creation of social contract theory influenced American ideas on government.
Thomas Jefferson's idea that governments should not violate the natural rights of people was used to criticize the British.
• The social contract belief that the government should have total power motivated the colonists to rebel.
• Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British
The correct answer is:
• Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British
The correct statement that best identifies the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution is: "Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British."
To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate the other statements. The third statement suggests that the social contract belief motivated the colonists to rebel, but in reality, the Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, argued for a limited government that respects and protects the natural rights of individuals. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
The second statement mentions Rousseau's creation of social contract theory influencing American ideas on government. While Rousseau's ideas were significant, it was John Locke's theories that had a more direct influence on the American Revolution. So, this statement is not the best option.
The first statement is the correct choice and explains that ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired the colonists to revolt against the British. During the Enlightenment, thinkers like John Locke argued that individuals have inherent natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, and that governments should protect these rights. These ideas were adopted and embraced by the American colonists, who used them to justify their rebellion against British rule during the American Revolution.