(Humanized essay) The Enlightenment was a period of shift in the 1700s. But it was an age of reason. It became okay to dare to dream, and people began to challenge established power and culture. He

(Humanized essay - simplify) 

Define the Enlightenment. Identify the most prominent thinkers. Include in your answer Deism. Explain how the colonials used the ideas of the enlightenment to justify their independence.

The Enlightenment was a time of great change in the 1700s. It was an age of reason. People started to question authority and tradition. They used science and logic to understand the world. This was different from the past when religion and royalty had all the power.

Important thinkers led the way. René Descartes said "I think, therefore I am." John Locke believed people had natural rights like life, liberty, and property. Voltaire fought for freedom of expression. Adam Smith wrote about economics. Immanuel Kant worked on ethics.

Deism was a religious idea. Deists believed in God but not miracles. They thought God created the world and its rules, then let it run on its own. This appealed to many in the American colonies.

The colonies used Enlightenment ideas to fight for independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. It said all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also said people can overthrow a bad government. This was influenced by John Locke.

The Enlightenment also shaped the US government. The Constitution has separation of powers to prevent tyranny. The founders believed in reason and education. They wanted a fair government with individual rights. The Enlightenment still impacts us today. Its ideas of reason and equality remain important.