Philosophical Influences:
* John Locke: Adams deeply admired Locke's ideas on natural rights, limited government, and the right of revolution. Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" became a foundational text for American revolutionaries.
* Montesquieu: Adams was influenced by Montesquieu's ideas on separation of powers and the importance of checks and balances in government.
* Cicero: Adams, a classical scholar, was fascinated by Roman history and the ideals of Roman republicanism as espoused by Cicero.
* Aristotle: Adams drew on Aristotle's political philosophy, especially the concept of a "mixed government" blending elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy.
Historical Figures:
* James Otis: Otis, a prominent lawyer, inspired Adams with his forceful arguments against British policies like the Stamp Act. Adams credits Otis for awakening his political consciousness.
* Thomas Hutchinson: The Royal Governor of Massachusetts, Hutchinson's policies were a major target of Adams's political activism, fueling his growing opposition to British rule.
* John Hancock: A wealthy merchant and political leader, Hancock became Adams's close ally and financial supporter. They worked together to lead the Sons of Liberty and shape the early resistance movement.
Ideas and Movements:
* The Enlightenment: Adams was a product of the Enlightenment, embracing its emphasis on reason, individual liberty, and the importance of popular sovereignty.
* The Great Awakening: The religious revival of the 1730s and 1740s, known as the Great Awakening, infused American society with a fervor for individual religious experience and challenged established authority.
* Republicanism: Adams was a staunch advocate of republicanism, a political philosophy that emphasized civic virtue, public service, and the common good.
* The "Country Party" Movement: This English political movement opposed the corrupting influence of the court and advocated for the rights of the people. Adams saw parallels between this movement and the American struggle against British rule.
It is important to note that Samuel Adams was a complex and influential figure in his own right. While these individuals and ideas certainly influenced his thinking, he ultimately developed his own unique brand of political activism and contributed significantly to the American Revolution.