How did Enlightenment ideas challenge traditional authority in colonial America?

The correct answer effectively illustrates how Enlightenment ideas fostered a shift in thinking regarding authority and governance in colonial America. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire championed the principles of reason, liberty, and individual rights. This emphasis on rational thought led colonists to question established hierarchies and traditional forms of authority, particularly the divine right of kings and the rigid social structures that dictated obedience to such authority.

By advocating for the idea that individuals have inherent rights, the Enlightenment encouraged colonists to challenge the legitimacy of their rulers and to consider the possibility of self-governance. This shift laid intellectual groundwork for concepts of democracy and republicanism, influencing key documents like the Declaration of Independence and fostering a sense of unity and resistance among the colonies against British rule.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the influence of Enlightenment thought. For instance, the promotion of religious uniformity contradicts the Enlightenment's focus on individual thought and freedom of belief. Establishing monarchies would not align with the Enlightenment ethos, which often pushed back against monarchical rule. Lastly, supporting absolute governance from Britain counters the core Enlightenment principle of questioning authority and advocating for self-determination and equality