The two European Enlightenment thinkers who influenced Latin America's revolutionary leaders were John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau
.John Locke's ideas of natural rights, limited government, and the social contract heavily influenced many of the revolutionary leaders in Latin America, who sought to create new governments that protected individual freedoms and prevented abuses of power. Locke's political philosophy was particularly influential in the writings of Simón Bolívar and other leaders in South America.
Jean Jacques Rousseau's ideas of popular sovereignty, equality, and direct democracy also had a significant impact on Latin America's revolutionary leaders. Rousseau's ideas inspired many revolutionaries to seek greater political participation for the people, as well as more equitable and just societies. His ideas were especially important to leaders such as José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins, who fought for independence in the Rio de la Plata region.