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:

1. Thomas Jefferson championed the idea that individuals have inalienable rights and that government exists only to protect those rights—a direct challenge to centralized, authoritarian rule.
2. Thomas Paine inspired revolution through his radical vision of self-governance and his denunciation of monarchy as incompatible with individual liberty.
3. Benjamin Franklin exemplified the balance between individual initiative and community cooperation, advancing innovation and civic engagement as cornerstones of progress.
4. Alexander Hamilton advocated for a government strong enough to ensure stability but still rooted in the principles of individual opportunity and economic freedom.
5. James Madison ensured that the Constitution enshrined protections for personal liberties while creating a framework to prevent the rise of unchecked power.
6. George Mason insisted on the inclusion of a Bill of Rights, securing explicit protections for the freedoms Americans hold most dear.
7. John and Abigail Adams emphasized the rule of law, education, and the extension of Enlightenment principles to all members of society, including women.

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:

1. Scepticism of Centralized Power: From the monarchy to feudal bureaucracies, early Americans rejected systems where power was concentrated in the hands of a few. Today, globalism is often perceived as a new form of centralized authority, imposing its values and policies without local consent. This instinctive scepticism remains alive in the American electorate.
2. Individual Liberty Over Collective Conformity: The "woke" movement’s emphasis on identity politics and social engineering is seen by many Americans as a direct challenge to the Enlightenment values of individual liberty and self-determination. The frontier ethos prizes personal responsibility and freedom over collective mandates.
3. Resilience Against External Control: Just as the frontier demanded self-reliance and adaptability, Americans have grown wary of global bureaucracies and cultural trends that seem disconnected from their lived realities. The rejection of "wokeness" reflects a desire to maintain autonomy in defining values and priorities.
4. Practicality Over Ideology: The American Enlightenment was rooted in pragmatic solutions to real-world problems. Many Americans see globalism and "wokeness" as ideologically driven, often lacking the practical, results-oriented mindset that characterized the frontier experience.

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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:

1. Rejecting Centralized Global Authority: Trump’s policies resonate with the Enlightenment principle that power must remain close to the people. His opposition to global institutions and trade agreements seen as unfavourable to American workers reflects a Jeffersonian distrust of distant authority.
2. Restoring Individual and National Sovereignty: The campaign to "Make America Great Again" is not merely about economics or borders—it’s about reasserting the idea that Americans have the right to chart their own course, free from the dictates of foreign powers or ideologically driven cultural elites.
3. Championing Meritocracy and Innovation: Trump’s focus on economic revitalization, deregulation, and self-reliance mirrors Franklin’s and Hamilton’s belief in the transformative power of innovation and entrepreneurship.
4. Resisting Cultural Conformity: The backlash against "wokeness" is rooted in the American Enlightenment’s emphasis on freedom of thought and expression. Americans resist being coerced into adopting values that they perceive as contradictory to their individual beliefs and cultural traditions.

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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.