On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed independence for the American Colonies to the Second Continental Congress. A mere twenty-four days later, Thomas Jefferson's formal statement of independence from England was adopted by the Continental Congress. On that day, July 4 1776, America was no longer a colony, but a new independent nation. However, Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was not a completely original concept. In fact, most of it was based on writings from both French and English Enlightenment philosophers.
Thomas Jefferson was a scholar. He had great knowledge of European philosophy. By looking at his draft of the Declaration of Independence, this is obvious. A great comparison can be made between the Declaration of Independence and the thoughts of English philosopher John Locke's case for the 1668 "Glorious Revolution" in England. Locke's theory was based on "natural rights". He contended that those put in the position to govern should, be placed there by the will of the people. Therefore it was the governors" job to protect the rights of its citizens. Locke stated that every man should be guaranteed, "life, liberty, and property" by the government. Thomas Jefferson minorly altered this statement into what is the most famous line in the Declaration of Independence, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". .
Not all Enlightenment influences where from John Locke, or for that matter the English. French philosophers also served as a blue print for the Declaration of Independence. French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was also an influence on Thomas Jefferson. Rousseau believed that people had natural rights, and that these natural rights became violated when equality was not present. Without equality, governmental decent was impossible. This equality was not possible in countries that had monarchies. Therefore Rousseau and other French philosophers like Voltaire vehemently opposed monarchal rule.
