The Enlightenment in America

Many of the intellectual leaders of the American colonies were drawn to the Enlightenment. Many of the leaders of the American Revolution such as Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin were powerfully influenced by the English and by the French enlightenment thought. Jefferson and Franklin both spent time in France learning and absorbing the influence of the French enlightenment. At the time, France was an ally naturally because it was a enemy of England. The language of natural law, inherent freedoms, and self-determination is pretty much why Americans should study the enlightenment. It describes our country and what we make it out to be.

-Benny Guzman