Which intellectual movement during the colonization of North America influenced the study of science and contributed to universal founding?

The Enlightenment was a pivotal intellectual movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, significantly influencing the study of science and the development of ideas that form the foundation of modern democratic societies. This period emphasized reason, science, and rational thought, challenging traditional authority and advancing the pursuit of knowledge through empirical evidence and experimentation. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Isaac Newton, promoted ideas about individual rights, government by consent, and the scientific method, which were revolutionary at the time.

During the colonization of North America, Enlightenment principles encouraged the colonists to seek knowledge through observation and inquiry rather than relying solely on established doctrines. This fostered an environment in which scientific exploration thrived, leading to innovations and advancements that contributed to the growth of the new societies being formed. The ideals of the Enlightenment not only laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry but also influenced the development of political philosophies that led to movements for independence and democracy.

In contrast, while the Renaissance also emphasized human potential and achievements in art and science, it primarily focused on reviving classical knowledge rather than promoting the systematic study of the natural world. Romanticism, on the other hand, arose later and prioritized emotion and individualism, often