The Enlightenment ideas of natural rights, separation of powers in government, tabula rasa (the blank slate), and social contract influenced oppressed people to fight for equality. These people formed alliances with one another based on a variety of commonalities, such as language, religion, social standing, and territory. During 1750-1900, people from around the world challenged established government structures, and this led to a great deal of political, economic, and social change. For many of the following Revolutions, Enlightenment ideas directly influenced their advent!
American Revolution
The American Revolution involved the British North American colonies rebelling against the empire of Great Britain. Great Britain had been exerting its influence more and more across North America, including battling France in the Seven Years’ War for dominance in North America. Wars cost money, and the Seven Years’ War increased British debts, causing Great Britain to tax their North American colonies.
The colonies were used to being left alone by the mother country, but the new taxes upset the colonists. Initially, the colonists wanted representation in Parliament to influence tax decisions. Phrases like “No Taxation without Representation” became commonplace in the colonies.
After being unable to find common ground regarding representation and taxation, colonial leaders issued the Declaration of Independence. This document was inspired by Enlightenment ideals, and it listed a series of grievances the colonists had with the British monarchy. Along with French assistance, the colonists won the war and their independence. The United States established a constitutional government, leaving the idea of monarchy behind.
New Zealand Wars
In the mid-19th Century, Great Britain controlled large parts of the globe. The Maori tribes, as part of the larger Polynesian migration patterns, lived in New Zealand since roughly 1200 C.E. under Maori rule.
In 1840, Great Britain annexed New Zealand as part of their quest for global dominance in the race between industrialized nations for new territory. Because of industrialization and imperialism, Great Britain wanted land to harvest resources and new potential markets to buy their factory-finished products.
In response to the increased control from Great Britain, Maori tribes rebelled sporadically over a 40-year period. This forced the various tribes to see a common identity amongst themselves, increasing nationalism. By sharing many common traits, such as territory, Maori tribes banded together against Britain. Alas, the powers of industrialization overpowered the Maori, and Britain won by 1872.