Age of Science and Reason - Enlightenment Thinkers

Age of Science and Reason

• Francis Bacon: Championed inductive reasoning in science; observation followed by interpretation. His work significantly shaped modern scientific thought.
• Thomas Hobbes: Believed humans are naturally cruel, selfish, and greedy. Advocated for absolute monarchy and a social contract to maintain order.
• John Locke: Key Enlightenment thinker; father of liberalism. His ideas influenced views on religion, economics, politics, and more.
• Baron de Montesquieu: Famous for the concept of separation of powers; a fundamental principle of limited government and balanced power structures.
• Adam Smith: Founder of modern economics; "The Wealth of Nations" outlined principles of capitalism and the "invisible hand."
• Denis Diderot: Key figure in the creation of the encyclopedia. This resource played a significant role in the spread of knowledge.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Philosopher who questioned government's role and advocated for human equality through the social contract.
• Mary Wollstonecraft: Important early feminist; argued for women's rights in her writing.
• Voltaire: Championed reason, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.
• Cesare Beccaria: Criticized torture and excessive punishment; his ideas influenced modern criminal justice systems.

Enlightenment Concepts

• Enlightenment: A period emphasizing reason and questioning traditional beliefs.
• Absolutism: System where a ruler holds absolute power.
• Divine Right: Belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.
• Natural Rights: Basic rights inherent to all individuals.
• Social Contract: Agreement between individuals and government to give up some rights for protection.
• Will of the Majority: Decision-making based on the choice of most of the people.
• Capitalism: Economic system where individuals control economic activity and profits.
• Invisible Hand: Market forces guiding economic activity.
• Laissez-faire: Policy of minimal government intervention in the economy.
• Enlightened Despots: Absolute rulers who embraced Enlightenment ideals.

Spread and Suppression of Enlightenment Ideas

• Spread: Ideas spread through books, newspapers, conversations, and other forms of communication like the pyramid scheme.
• Suppression: Attempts to slow the spread included censorship, book bans, and restrictions on information.

Revolutions in America, France, and Latin America

American Revolution Figures and Events

• Thomas Paine: Author of "Common Sense," a pivotal pamphlet advocating for American independence.
• Declaration of Independence: Document declaring the American colonies' independence from British rule.

French Revolution Figures and Events

• Louis XIV: French King, known for accumulating debt, and implementing unpopular taxes.
• Maximilien Robespierre: Key figure in the French Revolution, leader of the Reign of Terror.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: Conqueror who rose to power during and after the French Revolution.
• Constitution: Document that established France as a constitutional monarchy.
• Estates-General: Meeting of the three estates in French society (clergy, nobility, commoners).
• Tennis Court Oath: Pledge by members of the Third Estate to continue meeting until a constitution was written.
• Storming of the Bastille: Symbolic act that marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
• Committee of Public Safety: During the Reign of Terror, used to enforce revolutionary ideals.
• Convention: Governing body of France after the monarchy's demise.
• Reign of Terror: Period of extreme violence, characterized by executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.
• Guillotine: Means of execution widely used during the French Revolution.

Latin American Revolution Figures and Events

• Simon Bolivar: Leader in the Latin American revolutions.
• José de San Martín: Leader in the Latin American revolutions, liberated Argentina from Spanish rule.
• Miguel Hidalgo: Creole priest who led an unsuccessful early uprising in Mexico.
• José Morelos: Leader of Mexican revolutionaries.

Impact & Legacy of the Latin American Revolutions

• Political: Caudillos (strong leaders) emerged.
• International: Monroe Doctrine.
• Economic: Continued economic dependence.

Overarching Themes

• Causes of the Enlightenment: The questions above should be researched for detailed answers.
• Enlightenment in Revolutions: Students should analyze how Enlightenment principles influenced the American, French, and Latin American revolutions.