John Locke (1362-1704) and his Influences

John Locke generated numerous controversial opinions during the Enlightenment era. He believed in natural rights (that all people are born with certain inalienable rights), limited government (where all powers of the government must be limited), and the right to revolution (the ability for people to overthrow the government if their rights aren't being protected). These ideas shaped the future, giving the main ideas and contexts of the American Revolution. 

Baron De Montesquieu (1689-1755) and his Influence 

Baron de Montesquieu was also a very controversial and influential thinker for future revolutions. He believed very strongly in the separation of powers, which led to the checks and balances system in our government today, and liberty, saying that political liberty guaranteed tranquility of mind and stability amongst the nation.

Jean-Jaques Rousseau (1712-1778) and his Influences

Rousseau was an Enlightenment thinker who was more focused on the people rather than the government. With writings such as the Social Contract, he argued that people were naturally good/the main nature was freedom and happiness. Also arguing that institutions were corrupting politics and disrupting the peaceful state of nature that citizens were born into. These very strongly bled into both the American and French Revolutions.

All three of these thinkers greatly influenced the future of revolutions and governments. They pushed for more democratic and free politics instead of the authoritarian ones they were stuck in. As controversial as these ideas were, they were necessary for our future and gave hope to people who were being controlled under a dangerous government. 

THE END!!