On the other hand, the nobility had many rights. Today it’s greatly known that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were well influenced from the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment thinkers argued against these traditions, and called for individual freedoms, governments of the people, and religious freedom. They were "enlightened" because they believed that humans could answer questions for them, and sought ways to put this philosophy into practice. John Locke, an Enlightenment thinker, highly influenced the Declaration of Independence.
Our founding fathers were inspired by influential people to write the great documents for America. For instance, Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was inspired by ideas of philosophers in the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment ideas from political philosophers were used by other founding fathers as a means to motivate others for the Revolution. After the Revolution, James Madison also used ideas of Enlightenment philosophers to construct the United States Constitution. Philosophers, like Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau, all had a great influence in the making of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Influences on the Declaration of Independence Throughout history there have been many powerful and influential pieces of writing. When it comes to American history there is no piece of writing more eminent then the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and several American representatives on July 2nd. Although this piece has become well known for defining America and our government today, many of the main ideas are borrowed from various influences. The writers of the Declaration were influenced by many political, economic, and philosophical influences. Natural law is one of the most major philosophical and political influences on the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence is a perfect example of how an educated writer, such as Jefferson, used rhetoric to persuade an audience to his side. The Toulmin Argument will be used as a means to analyze Jefferson’s use of rhetorical devices throughout the Declaration. (An Introduction to Rhetoric, 45) The Toulmin argument consists of three parts: the Claim will identify what Jefferson is trying to prove or argue; the Support, which employs data and a qualifier, will identify the data, facts, observations, and conditions used to prove the claim; and the Warrant will identify the assumptions and beliefs that underlie the claim. (An Introduction to Rhetoric, 45) Jefferson’s use of the Claim occurs in the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the
Turner’s thesis still remains as one of the most widely discussed interpretations of the American past and it still continues to influence historians in our present day. Even though many scholars have questioned the thesis as an acceptable theory of explaining American history and culture, the thesis has its strengths. Turner demonstrated what made America unique. America as a unique nation was already a belief when the first colonies were established on the East coast. The notion that America was exceptional would continue to be re-created again and again on the frontier.
He composed his pamphlet utilizing vernacular and simple ideas, targeting the common man. This was an unusual, yet appropriate, technique for the Enlightenment era. His pamphlet outlined the flaws and disadvantages of a monarchial government such as the government imposed on America by England. He also portrayed the advantages of severing all governmental ties with England. Paine discusses generic topics of an ideal and properly functioning government.
Thomas Paine: “Friend, Foe, Inspirer, and Journalist to the Patriots in Igniting A Glorious Cause for The American Revolution” Donnie L. Briggs, Jr. Brandman University Author Note This paper was prepared for History 330, taught by Professor Bingley. The author wishes to thank Craig Bingley for suggestions to the content of this research document and understanding the significant role Thomas Paine had in the influence and formal design of “The American Declaration of Independence.” Abstract This research paper is a guide to understanding one of the most influential patriots in American History and most important his literary contributions to the glorious cause of the American Revolution. The paper gives insight to the reader that failure in academia is not necessarily a true assessment of an individual’s inability to prosper or a true measurement of one’s destiny. The reader will gain an enormous amount of appreciation for Thomas Paine and how he utilized written communication, and journalism to inspire and transpire ideologies to an oppressed and despondent society. Thomas Paine embraced the notion that the equal moral considerations of all humanity implied equal access to natural resources to survive.
The purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to officially separate the American colonies from Great Britain and to dissolve the political ties between the two countries. Additionally, the document explained to the rest of the world why the colonies had chosen this course of action. The writers of the Declaration of Independence make use of ethos to establish their ethical standing – that they are sensible men of good character and good will. They acknowledge the fact that they need to explain the reasons for their actions: “When… it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another… a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” They also note that they are cautious and reasonable: “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes…” The writers assure that they have made honest efforts to avoid independence, but the King’s continued injustices has given them no choice: “In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” Finally, they state that they are men willing to pledge “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” for the principles enunciated in the declaration. The writers of the Declaration of Independence appeal to pathos through the word choice in their list of the King’s wrongdoings.
Based on reading Julius Caesar I learned that neither Marc Antony nor Julius Caesar would make a good president of the United States. I believe Brutus will. Although Marc Antony and Julius Caesar had great leadership qualities I believe they did not have good morals or enough strength and courage to handle the power. In Julius Caesar, Brutus was known as being noble and always thinking of the good of Rome. If Brutus became president of the United States he would make sure everyone is treated fairly and with honestly.
John Locke was one of the influential political philosophers of modern period (1632-1704). At his works he supported the claim that men are by nature free and equal against the claim that God had create all people naturally as a subject to monarch. Moreover, in his work Two Treaties of Government he argued that people have rights such as the right to life, liberty, and property that have a foundation independent of the laws of any particular society. Locke supports the right of the people to overthrow rulers who betray them; he asserts that if a leader violates the community’s trust, the people can and should replace him immediately. Similarly, if the government does not fulfill the needs of the people, it should be dissolved and replaced with other form of government which people think is the best.