The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau challenged ideas about monarchy, religion, and society, inspiring many to seek political change.

**Source A: Excerpt from John Locke’s 'Two Treatises of Government'

'The end of government is the preservation of property and the protection of individual rights. When a government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.' Provenance: Locke, 1689, influential political philosopher.

Source B: Voltaire’s Critique of Religious Authority 'It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.' Provenance: Voltaire, 18th century, French Enlightenment thinker.

Source C: Rousseau’s Social Contract

'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. The social contract is an agreement to create a society where freedom and equality are protected.' Provenance: Rousseau, 1762.

The ideas of the Enlightenment influenced many revolutionary movements, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and Latin American independence movements. These revolutions sought to establish governments based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Source D: Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence (1776)

'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.' Provenance: The American colonies, 1776.

The Enlightenment played a crucial role in inspiring revolutionary ideas across the world. Thinkers challenged traditional authority, emphasizing reason, rights, and participation in government. These ideas led to significant political changes and the development of modern democratic societies.

Source E: Summary of Enlightenment Impact

'Enlightenment ideas provided the intellectual foundation for revolutions, shaping modern concepts of liberty, democracy, and human rights.' Provenance: Modern history overview.