Influences on the Declaration of Independence

As Martina and Terrance experienced the Age of Enlightenment, you were able to see how John Locke, Montesquieu, and Thomas Paine influenced Thomas Jefferson in the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson borrowed from Locke’s ideas of natural rights, a social contract, and the idea that the people have the power to change the government. Montesquieu's ideas of separation of political power also influenced Jefferson. Thomas Paine’s influence is seen in the list of grievances spelled out by Jefferson explaining why the United States should be an independent nation. The beliefs of these great thinkers would continue to inspire the colonists, as they persisted in their fight for freedom from the British. Martina and Terrance were even able to sign the Declaration of Independence.