US History Thematic Essay
In developing your answer, be sure to keep this general definition in mind: discuss means “to
make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and argument; to present in some
detail”.
Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the
task below, and a conclusion.
Theme:
Influenced by Enlightenment ideas and their rights as
Englishmen, American colonial leaders outlined their
grievances against British policies and actions in the
Declaration of Independence.
Task:

Examine the influence Enlightenment ideas (natural
rights, social contract) and ideas expressed in Thomas
Paine’s “Common Sense”.

Examine the Declaration of Independence and the
arguments for independence stated within it.
Guidelines:
In your essay, be sure to
 Develop all aspects of the task
 Support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details
 Use a logical and clear plan of organization, including an introduction and a conclusion that are
beyond a restatement of the theme
“Sample65”
Thematic Essay
7.3
American colonial leaders were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and their
rights as Englishmen. They outlined their grievances against British policies
and actions in the Declaration of Independence.
The Enlightenment was a period of time when thinkers questioned old ways
and wanted to re-organize society more scientifically. One thinker described
natural rights that people are born with: life, liberty, ability to own property.
Government should protect those rights. The social contract is an unwritten
agreement among a people about how they will live together peacefully.
Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense”, described how Americans don’t need a
king and how Parliament was just using the colonies. It also encouraged
Americans to support independence from Britain.
The Declaration of Independence explains why American colonies are
separating from Britain. The main reason is that they accuse Britain of
violating their rights. When governments violate people’s rights, it can be
removed. The Declaration includes a long list of grievances like dissolving
colonial representative governments and taxation without representation.
The influenced of Enlightenment ideas on Americans was huge. They separated
from England to get their English rights.
How to make this a 100? Add around 1/3 more detail or elaboration. What century was the
Enlightenment? What thinker proposed natural rights? What else can you say about social contract? Did
“Common Sense” say anything else? Did the Declaration say anything else? Are there more grievances?
Who wrote it? When was it signed? Etc.