Which statement best identifies the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution? (1 point)
A. • Thomas Jefferson's idea that governments should not violate the natural rights of people was used to criticize the British.
B. • Rousseau's creation of social contract theory influenced American ideas on government.
C. • Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
D. • The social contract belief that the government should have total power motivated the colonists to rebel.
C. • Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
To identify the impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution, we can examine each statement and determine which one best describes the relationship between the Enlightenment and the Revolutionary movement.
A. Thomas Jefferson's idea that governments should not violate the natural rights of people was used to criticize the British.
This statement aligns with Enlightenment principles. During the Enlightenment, thinkers like John Locke argued for the protection of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson, one of the key figures in the American Revolution, was influenced by these ideas and incorporated them into the Declaration of Independence. The idea that the British government was violating the colonists' natural rights was a major factor in their decision to rebel.
B. Rousseau's creation of social contract theory influenced American ideas on government.
Rousseau's social contract theory emphasized the idea of consent and the obligation of governments to serve the will of the people. This concept resonated with the American Revolutionaries, who sought to establish a government that represented the interests and consent of the governed. While Rousseau's ideas did have an impact on American political thought, they were not the primary influence on the Revolution.
C. Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.
This statement accurately reflects the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the American Revolution. The Enlightenment brought widespread discussions on topics such as democracy, individual rights, and fair government. These concepts resonated with the colonists, who felt that the British government was denying them their rights and treating them unfairly. The Enlightenment ideals of liberty and self-governance played a significant role in inspiring the colonists to rebel against British rule.
D. The social contract belief that the government should have total power motivated the colonists to rebel.
This statement is incorrect. The social contract theory, as outlined by Enlightenment thinkers like Locke and Rousseau, argued for a government that served the interests of the people and respected their rights. It did not advocate for a government with total power. In fact, it was the oppressive actions of the British government, which violated the colonists' rights, that fueled the desire for independence and rebellion.
Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is C. Ideas such as democracy, natural rights, and fair government inspired colonists to revolt against the British.