How did new ideas of liberty contribute to tensions between the social classes in the American colonies?

New ideas of liberty in the American colonies, influenced by Enlightenment thought, emphasized individual rights and self-governance, leading to a growing demand for political participation among lower social classes. As wealthier elites sought to maintain their power and privileges, tensions escalated between those advocating for broader rights and those defending the status quo. This conflict was further fueled by economic disparities and the desire for social mobility, ultimately contributing to revolutionary sentiments. Thus, the concept of liberty became a double-edged sWord, promoting both unity and division among the social classes.