What events were influential in the development of the enlightenment

In the centuries preceding the Enlightenment, Renaissance-era culture and trade had spread all throughout Europe, giving people (especially the wealthy) a broader view of humanity and knowledge. Competing governments vied for prestige and power by leveraging and patronizing artisans and a growing field of what we’d call scientists.

Furthermore, Europe had been embroiled in massive religious conflicts, and many theologians wanted to espouse a more moderate form of religion. The aristocracy supported these efforts, realizing the damaging effects of conflicts like the Thirty Years War, and to curb the power of the Church, thus increasing their own influence. In this social and political environment, thinkers were allowed greater intellectual freedom than at any point since the rise of the feudal system, which in turn ignited the explosion of discovery and invention known as the Enlightenment.

Explanation:

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since most of current immigration into the u.s., both legal and illegal, is coming from latin america. it would be very difficult to imagine or rationalize a country my fellow citizens are trying desperately to flee into, would pose a threat to my prosperity or freedom. since the u.s. has a long history of intervention, but no record of permanent occupation, i would not feel oppression is the main objective.  

the largest free trade nation, along with the largest gdp in the world wanting to expand it's economic policy on us, and including us, could only be positive. the u.s. government has no interest in, or way of simply forcing american culture on us. and has no track record of it. other nations that adopted american social culture, or "americanization" did so voluntarily, mainly through the choice of allowing american businesses and u.s. citizens to come into their nations, as free operatives.