Thomas Hobbes and the Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes wrote an influential book titled Leviathan. In this book, he details the idea of the social contract which states that men originally formed governments because of their need for protection. In exchange for their safety, the people gave up their rights to the rulers including the right to revolt. His work is important as a building block for later thinkers including John Locke.
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For more information on Thomas Hobbes see his biography.Return to American Revolution Background Lecture
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