The Influence of the Enlightenment Period on Revolutions: From America to Latin America and Beyond

Beginning in the 1700’s, the Enlightenment is believed to have sparked the age of revolution, which would affect many countries throughout the world, beginning with the American Revolution in 1775 and was a major influence until approximately 1848.  The American Revolution is a great example of how these two figures influenced the Revolution.  The British had colonized America and started imposing heavy taxes after 1763.  Restrictions were placed on the colonists, which prevented them from moving into the frontier areas.  The also began to argue that they were being taxed without representation and the Stamp Acts of 1765 was a major factor that sparked the Revolution.  In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed which lead to the creation of an army to begin the war.  With the aid of the French America was able to gain its independence from France and ever since 1789 the Constitution has been in effect.

The Constitution established the checks and balances system between the three branches of government (legislative, judiciary, executive), which was a concept, obtained from Montesquieu.  Although voting was restricted to white men with property, this was a huge step in history, inspired by the beliefs of Rousseau.

There were many factors, which lead to the French Revolution.  Powerful aristocrats, and ineffective government and huge economic problems in 1787 and 1788 were the main problems, which lead to the Revolution.  Street riots in Paris in 1789 cause Louis XVI to cave into the demands of the middle class to form a Parliament, which included voting and representation for nonnoble property owners.  The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizens followed not too long after.  Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, this Declaration declared freedom of thought and preached rights to “liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression”.  Peasants seized manorial records and many large estates, seeking to end manorialism.  The revolutionaries fought for in freedom or religion, press, and property, and a powerful parliament was set up to limit the king, and all males with property were granted the right to vote.  There were all ideals of the Enlightenment, so we see how much of an influence the Enlightenment had on the French Revolution.