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Voltaire, a French philosopher, he strongly supported freedom of speech, civil rights, and religious acceptance. He had many ideas that greatly influenced the American founding fathers and the U.S. constitution.

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He believed that everyone should have the right to express their opinions. This idea inspired the First Amendment, which states protection of freedom of speech in the U.S.

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Voltaire fought against religious persecution. He believed that people should be able to practice or to not practice religion. This idea influenced the Founding Fathers. Freedom of Religion was then included into the First Amendment.

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He criticized unfair governments. Believed that rulers should be held by their actions. Voltaire's views inspired many Americans to challenge British rule and still support individual rights.

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Voltaire supported science, education, and reasoning. This was to guide society. These enlightenment ideas had influenced American democracy and the constitution.

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Voltaire believed that laws should protect everyone. Governments must treat everyone equally and respect all rights. These beliefs were shown in the Bill of Rights.

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Voltaire’s Influence on the Founding Fathers

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Voltaire’s Influence on the Founding Fathers

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His ideas of Freedom of Speech and Religion, greatly influenced the First Amendment. His intense criticism of church power helped shape separations between the church and the state.

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1. https://www.history.com/articles/voltaire

2. https://www.history.com/articles/enlightenment?utm

3. https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/voltaire/?utm