What overall effect did the Enlightenment have on the American colonies?

The Enlightenment had a profound impact on the American colonies by fostering ideas of democracy and individual rights. Thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau challenged traditional authority and emphasized concepts such as natural rights, social contracts, and the separation of powers. These ideas encouraged colonists to question the legitimacy of monarchical rule and consider the importance of government being accountable to the governed.

As a result, Enlightenment principles became core to the quest for independence and the establishment of a new government based on democratic ideals. They inspired revolutionary sentiments that ultimately contributed to the creation of founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, which articulated the inherent rights of individuals and the importance of popular sovereignty. The movement cultivated a belief in equality and justice that resonated deeply within the colonies, setting the stage for political and social change.