Question

how did the enlightment influence the founding fathers

Answer 1

Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were both considered part of the Enlightened movement. Ben via his ideas in France (and late night visits to the parlors) spurned the movement to get America French help during the revolution. Meanwhile, Jefferson via his Enlightened cooresponance sent out Lewis & Clark to search for fossils, plants, and oh yeah a way to the Pacific and to map the Lousiana Purchase.

Answer 2

The most significant Enlightenment ideas to affect both thought and events, esp. in 18th century America, were John Locke's arguments about "natural rights" and the "social contract" theory of government. Echoes of these can be seen in political pamphlets of the mid-18th century and in the prologue to the Declaration of Independence.

Answer 3

first amendment