Answer:
As seen in lesson 5.05
In the United States, Enlightenment ideas strongly affected the Founding Fathers. American democratic institutions were shaped by students of the Enlightenment. It is probably not a coincidence that both Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin spent years in France as high-ranking diplomats. Jefferson and Franklin, in their many talents, also displayed features of the "Renaissance man"—an all-around individual of many interests and achievements. In addition to his diplomatic gifts, Jefferson was a well-known writer and architect. In 1800, he was elected the third president of the United States. Franklin was an inspired inventor and scientist. He was also a successful business entrepreneur and an acclaimed writer. Most importantly, perhaps, both men firmly believed in the power of reason.
