What significant historical event was influenced by Enlightenment ideas?

The American Revolution was profoundly influenced by Enlightenment ideas, which emphasized reason, individualism, and the notion of natural rights. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke argued for the principles of liberty and consent of the governed, asserting that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. These ideas inspired colonial leaders and intellectuals to challenge British authority and demand independence, ultimately leading to the revolution.

The Enlightenment facilitated a shift in thinking about government and society, encouraging colonists to fight not only for independence but also for the establishment of a government that reflected Enlightenment ideals, such as democracy and the separation of powers. Documents like the Declaration of Independence drew directly from these philosophical foundations, making the American Revolution a key historical event shaped by Enlightenment thought.

While the French Revolution also drew on Enlightenment ideas in many similar ways, the American Revolution is often cited as a more direct application of Enlightenment principles in the context of colonial resistance to monarchical rule, focusing particularly on the framework of governance that followed.