Enlightenment Philosophers the United Sates Adopted

Anthony Serventi

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Did you know that Paris was the heart of the enlightenment in which many intellectuals

debated new ideas? The Enlightenment contained some of the greatest thinkers of history. I

argue that the United States adopted the ideals of the Enlightenment philosophers by the thoughts

of John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire. They were considered philosophers which means

“lovers of wisdom”. I can prove my opinion by how the United States adopted the ideals of the

Enlightenment philosophies.

The United States adopted the ideals of the Enlightenment philosophers by the thoughts

of John Locke. First, John Locke had a strong belief that people had natural rights that belonged

to humans from birth. These included the fight to life, liberty, and property. According to

ushistory.org,“The single most important influence that shaped the founding of the United States

comes from John Locke, a 17th century Englishman who redefined the nature of government.” If

the government would decline to protect the fight to life, liberty, and property, the citizens would

have the right to overthrow that government. Thomas Jefferson became heavily influenced which

lead to the draft of the Declaration of Independence. Next, the United States adopted the ideals of

the Enlightenment philosophers by the thoughts of Montesquieu. Montesquieu published the

spirit of laws. In addition, he introduced the idea of the three branches of government,

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. According to crf-usa.org, “Americans later adopted it as

the foundation of the United States Constitution." Montesquieu came to the conclusion that the

best form of government was one where the three branches of government were separate and
kept each other in check to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful. Third, the United

States adopted the ideals of the Enlightenment philosophers by the thoughts of Voltaire. Voltaire

would target corrupt officials and aristocrats in France. He wrote with his pen and spook up for

what he believed in. He defined the idea of freedom of speech.

In conclusion, the United States adopted the ideals of the Enlightenment philosophers by

the thoughts of John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire. Ideas would spread beyond France and

even Europe making more of an audience to their thoughts. Philosophies loved to create, learn

and make theories such as the three-people talked about above. Overall, John Locke,

Montesquieu, and Voltaire impacted the ideals of the Enlightenment.