The American Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. It was influenced by the broader European Enlightenment and encouraged critical thinking about government, society, and human nature. Key figures included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, who promoted ideas of liberty and democracy. This period laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of education and rational thought to improve society, leading to significant changes in political and social structures that emphasized equality and justice.