History of Enlightenment in the US - Essay Example

The Enlightenment ideas played very significant roles during the American Revolution as well as the War for Independence. Deism for instance enhanced the unification of the citizens of America. This is evidenced by the majority of the populace who not only remained strongly religious but also supported good work. It is the religion that was enhanced by the movement that holds the citizens of the U.S. together even currently. Liberalism is also one of the Enlightenment ideas that led to the American Revolution as well as the War for Independence (May, 1978). This is evidenced by Jefferson’s draft “Declaration of Independence”. The Enlightenment made the citizens of the U.S. develop the notion that government authority is not absolute, but a product of the consent of the governed. “It is liberalism that also supported the parliamentary form of government that protected liberty of expression and movement” (May, 1978). Republicanism is also one of the Enlightenment ideas. It advocated a nation be ruled as a republic and not through hereditary rights. Its effect is also evident today; the state’s head in the U.S. are elected.