Final answer:
Natural rights were central to the American Revolution, providing the moral basis for independence in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson's Declaration outlined these rights as "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," setting the stage for future civil liberties. The protection of these unalienable rights was deemed the primary purpose of government, influencing the social contract between governed and government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of natural rights played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. The Enlightenment era's intellectual movement laid the groundwork for these ideas, with figures like John Locke influencing revolutionary leaders, such as Thomas Jefferson. Emphasizing that rights inherent to humanity couldn't be granted or taken away by a government, these principles were foundational in justifying the break from British rule.
Thomas Jefferson, in drafting the Declaration, declared that "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" are unalienable rights intrinsic to all men, a revolutionary concept that reflected the American mind's desire for freedom and self-determination. The recognition of such rights inspired legal challenges against oppressive authorities, questioning the monarchy's divine right, and establishing a new social contract. It was clear; if a government failed to protect these rights, the people had the authority to overthrow it and establish a government that would.
Declaration of Independence was thus an embodiment of Enlightenment principles, asserting sovereignty and natural rights through the social contract theory. Its powerful rhetoric and the universal appeal of natural rights strongly influenced subsequent constitutional developments and the fight for civil liberties for all Americans, becoming a touchstone in battles for equality, including those involving women and minorities.
In summary, natural rights were at the core of the Revolution, providing both the moral and legal rationale for independence and shaping the guiding principles of a new nation. They were characterized as unalienable and indivisible from human existence, their protection being the primary role of any legitimate government.