The
idea that man have natural rights that should not be denied by a King
or other ruling authority was extremely influential in America. The
"Declaration of Independence" stated it in plain English: "We hold
these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and
that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Never before had a nation been founded on the principle of natural
rights.
