The Role Of Montesquieu During The Age Of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment was a time period in European countries that lasted from 1550 to 1800. During this time period, many French philosophers came forward with new concepts applying to politics, science, and religion. These new concepts shaped the world into what it is today by inspiring the American, and French Revolutions. One philosopher that had a substantial effect on the world with his concepts is Montesquieu. Montesquieu had the idea of different branches of a government sharing powers. This concept is known today as a “checks and balances system”. This system was first taken interest by American colonists when becoming independent from British, and other European authority. It is important to note that this system of shared powers has saved many countries from dictative leaders by restraining these leaders’ abilities to take advantage of their power. Another philosopher during this time period with beneficial, and inspirational theories was Denis Diderot. Diderot created a legacy for himself by creating something that is still used today to educate billions of humans around the
Due to their knowledge of their rights, American colonists were able work against inequitable laws, actions, and authority. British using their power over the Americans to take their money unjustly to pay for wars, known as the Stamp Act, is known to be the deed in which Americans decided to take action against their leaders. American leaders worked together to form a “Declaration of Independence”, which formally started the American Revolution. After being granted independence from England, the American government which was not immediately different from the previous government, was weak due to a lack of confrontation with the nation’s problems. This lead to a completely new government, built off of Montesquieu's concept of shared power within a