Final answer:
The American Revolution was spurred by ideas influenced by the Enlightenment philosophers. The Founding Fathers were educated in these ideas, which emphasized human rights, the relationship between citizens and governments, and the duty of a government to the people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideas that helped spur the American Revolution were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment philosophers. The Founding Fathers such as Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were educated in these ideas and took them as the basis for the revolution. They believed in concepts such as human rights, the relationship between citizens and governments, and the duty of a government to the people. For example, Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, argued for equality as a natural condition for humans and criticized the idea of a hereditary monarchy. It also highlighted the failings of the British government in fulfilling its duty to the colonists and obstructing their economic development. These Enlightenment ideas resonated with the colonists, inspiring them to question British rule and fight for their freedom.