How did both the Enlightenment and the colonized peoples' actions affect political developments after 1750?

In the mid 18th century, increased literacy in Europe led to the spread of knowledge among the "common" people and created frequent debates over political change in a process called the Enlightenment. Philosophers proposed new political ideas concerning forms of government and published their theories, sparking resentment among European citizens against their ruling governments. Citizens took matters into their own hands and they began to rebel against the governments which they believed had become corrupted and no longer expressed the views and needs of the people. The ideas of the Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke became adopted in new forms of government, specifically governance by citizen representation. Other ideas included themes of freedom and opportunity, contract governments, and liberalism.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hogarth
Rebelling Citizens

"All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions." -John Locke

This quote shows new ideas concerning the rights of man, which became a common aspect of political reform.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnlocke169395.html#vzsJ50UiHflKkL3c.99
Smith, Bonnie G., Richard Von Glahn, and Kris E. Lane. Crossroads and Cultures: A History of the World's Peoples. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. Print.