The enlightenment brought reason and science to mind. Benjamin Franklin was a famous American enlightenment figure. The enlightenment appealed mostly to wealthy, educated men. But it had far-reaching effects on the colonies. It began in Europe, as scientists discovered natural laws governing the universe. For example Isaac Newton is the person who explained law of gravity.

The other enlightenment thinkers came up with the idea of bringing natural law to human societies. The English philosopher John Locke argued that people have natural rights. Those were, the right to live, the right to liberty, and the right to property. Locke said "People create governments to protect their natural rights. If a government fails in this duty, people have the right to change it. Locke challenged the belief that kings had a God-given right to rule."

Basically the Enlightenment's ideas of natural rights and government by agreement influenced leaders across Europe and the colonies.