Intellectual Influences on the Declaration of IndependenceWhile the Declaration of Independence had many influences, the most notable was the influence of the Social Contract. The Social Contract is the agreement between the government and its citizens, and defines the rights of each party. John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau are most notable for the creation of the social contract political philosophy. The Social Contract believes that “individuals are born into an anarchic state of nature. Then, by exercising natural reason, formed a society (and a government) by means of a contract among themselves.” In other words, people are born into the world without any knowledge or opinions but then develop their views based on their society. Their society, in turn, is affected and altered based on the people’s beliefs. Self-interest, or “personal interest or advantage,” inspires a society and government who derives its power from the people. The social contract states that “rational people” should believe in organized government, and this ideology highly influenced the writers of the Declaration of Independence. Show
John Locke believed that government was obligated to follow the will of the majority Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau each had
their own interpretations of the social contract. Each of these interpretations proved to be an inspiration to the Declaration of Independence. Which of the following best describes the relationship of ideas such as those in the excerpt to the broader progressive reform movement of the era?Which of the following best describes the relationship of ideas such as those in the excerpt to the broader Progressive reform movement of the era? The ideas in the excerpt challenged the racial stereotypes held by many White Progressive reformers.
Which of the following was most likely a significant cause of the sentiments depicted in the poster?Which of the following was MOST likely a significant cause of the sentiments depicted in the poster above? Increased opportunities for American women to assist in the war effort of World War II.
Which event was the most likely catalyst for the ideas expressed in the passage above?Which event was MOST LIKELY catalyst for the ideas expressed in the passage above? American victory in the Spanish-American War in 1898. The rights of indigenous peoples to choose their own form of government free from imperialistic control.
Which of the following most directly resulted from the excerpt above Sherman?Which of the following most directly resulted from the excerpt above (Letter from General William T. Sherman to the Atlanta Mayor and City Council)? The South's environment and infrastructure was increasingly destroyed.
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