The American Enlightenment: The Roots of Rebellion and the Enduring American Ethos (Global Shift USA Part III)
The American Enlightenment and the rugged ethos of the frontier are inseparable from the identity of the United States. Together, they formed the foundation of a uniquely American ethos—one that values individual liberty, self-reliance, and a scepticism of centralized authority. These principles, forged in the crucible of a vast, untamed frontier, set America on a course distinct from the hierarchical and bureaucratic traditions of Europe.
This ethos, however, is not merely a relic of history. It continues to define how Americans respond to cultural and political movements, including their recent rejection of globalism and "wokeness." The election of Donald Trump as president in 2024, with a historic mandate for change, reflects a reassertion of the core values established by seven key architects of the American Enlightenment: Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, George Mason, and John and Abigail Adams.
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The Historical Foundations of the American Ethos
The architects of the American Enlightenment rejected Europe's hierarchical and feudal systems, advocating instead for a society built on freedom, meritocracy, and decentralized governance. Each of these thought leaders contributed to the ethos that still drives the American spirit today:
These leaders built a society that valued self-reliance, freedom of thought, and resistance to overreach—principles that have become deeply ingrained in the American psyche.
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The Frontier Ethos vs. Globalism and "Wokeness"
The same ethos that propelled the American Enlightenment now explains why Americans have resisted the globalist agenda and the cultural impositions of "wokeness." Here’s why:
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The 2024 Mandate: Reasserting the American Ethos
Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024, with a clear and overwhelming mandate for change, represents a reawakening of these deeply rooted values. His platform capitalized on key aspects of the American ethos:
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A Historical Cycle of Rebellion and Renewal
The election of Trump in 2024 marks not just a political victory but a cultural moment—a reaffirmation of the American ethos that traces its origins to the Enlightenment and the frontier. Like the Founding Fathers, modern Americans are asserting their independence from what they perceive as oppressive external forces.
This cycle of rebellion and renewal is deeply American. Just as Jefferson, Franklin, and their peers challenged the old European order, today’s Americans are challenging new global and cultural paradigms that seem at odds with their foundational values.
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Conclusion: The American Ethos in a Global Context
The American Enlightenment gave birth to a nation defined by liberty, self-reliance, and a healthy scepticism of centralized power. The frontier ethos turned these ideals into practical realities, creating a culture that values adaptability and personal responsibility.
In 2024, the American people reasserted these values by giving Donald Trump the clearest mandate for change in recent history. This election was not just about policies; it was a resounding statement that the American ethos endures. It is a declaration that the principles of the Enlightenment—individual liberty, self-governance, and resilience—remain the guiding lights of a nation determined to shape its own destiny.