The Age of Enlightenment, or even just the Enlightenment, began in Europe and spread to different parts of the world. Many new ideas were being spread during this time. People were wanting to learn, better themselves, and accept new ideas.
Science and philosophy were booming during this time. Many people started to question the world, their government, and other people as well. One of the main ideas of the Enlightenment was the thought that everyone could think for themselves. People could be independent and they didn't always have to believe what the government, or their authority, said to them.
The Enlightenment was a very important and crucial part of the colonists obtaining freedom from Great Britain. The Founding Fathers were essentially built on the ideas from the Enlightenment and believed them heavily. They strived to make a government that was "for the people" and wanted freedom for all. The United States Constitution and the United States government is based heavily on ideas from the Enlightenment, thanks to the Founding Fathers.
This "Enlightenment Spirit" was important to the colonists. This made them continue to want their freedom and independence from Great Britain, making them want to be their own country. They believed they had their rights to liberty and freedom, which was an idea from the Enlightenment.