Criollos living in Latin America were inspired by Enlightenment ideals because they gave them a philosophical base for their aspirations for independence.
Enlightenment ideals are sometimes summarized through the French Revolution slogan: liberty, equality, fraternity. These ideals inspired the birth of a political identity of these groups that was formed by differentiation from Spain and by the desire for freedom from colonial domination.
Enlightenment made the criollos feel rightfully entitled to independence and freedom.