Which Enlightenment philosopher's concept of 'natural rights'—specifically life, liberty, and property—heavily influenced Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: John Locke
John Locke argued that governments exist by the consent of the governed to protect natural rights. Jefferson adapted Locke's 'property' to 'the pursuit of happiness' to frame the American moral argument for separation from Britain.
Keep practicing
More American Revolution questions
- What was the strategic significance of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777?
- Which 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine used plain language to argue that it was 'common sense' for the colonies to seek independence from a di…
- The 'Intolerable Acts' (Coercive Acts) were passed by Parliament in 1774 specifically to punish which colony for the Boston Tea Party?
- Who was the Prussian military officer responsible for training the Continental Army in European drilling and maneuvers during the winter at…
- Which battle effectively ended the American Revolutionary War after the British General Cornwallis was trapped between American/French land…
- The 'Olive Branch Petition' was a last-ditch effort by the Second Continental Congress to: