1690: John Locke

John Locke’s contributions to thinking, politics, philosophy and religion paved a way for the American Revolution. He put forward the idea of a limited government. He argued that the rights of the people should not be taken away by their government, that the government can be overthrown by the people if their rights are in anyway threatened.

He argued that people had the right to life, liberty, and property. These ideas may sound very familiar, they formed the foundation of the Declaration of Independence. John Locke’s ideas became the foundation from which America was built. John Locke’s thinking has persisted well into the 21st century. American's are questioning whether their government is protecting their rights, or stepping on them. Should it be the later, the people would have the right to overthrow their government. Is a revolution brewing?

"What worries you, masters you."

John Locke

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