Enlightenment and American Revolution Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How did the Magna Carta contribute to the development of the English Government?

It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.

Compare and contrast the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.

Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights are both historically significant documents; while the Magna Carta was meant to serve as a peace treaty between upset barons and King John.

Which American Revolutionary document is the best example of Natural Rights? Who wrote that document? Who was responsible for the idea of natural rights?

Many historians agree that Jefferson drew most of his beliefs in the importance of natural rights he expressed in the Declaration of Independence from John Locke's Second Treatise of Government.

Which document is the best example of Montesquieu? What American document most influenced the French Revolution? What philosopher was the biggest influence on the American Bill of Rights?

American documents such as the Declaration of Independence demonstrate the influence of Locke's ideas. Charles-Louis Montesquieu was a French political thinker known for his ideas regarding the government's separation of powers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Enlightenment influence the Revolution in America?

The Enlightenment ideas were the main influences for American Colonies to become their own nation. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the American Revolution succeed where others did not?

The French Revolution, by contrast, illuminated by America's example and Enlightenment thought, began in blissful optimism but collapsed into a blood-soaked tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What foundation documents are examples of the natural rights philosophy of life, liberty, and property?

Locke believed that the most basic human law of nature is the preservation of mankind. Signup and view all the answers

Which Enlightenment philosopher was the biggest influence on the ideas of natural rights?

John Locke was widely regarded as the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers. Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Hobbes, unlike John Locke, believed that people were selfish and ambitious and therefore needed to be ruled by _____.

an absolute monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What subject is Montesquieu famous for?

Montesquieu is famous for his ideas on the separation of powers. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the impact of the philosophers during the Enlightenment on history.

Enlightenment thinkers questioned traditional authority and believed humanity could improve through rational change. Signup and view all the answers

Locke and Rousseau believed the role of government should _______ the will of the people.

reflect. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways was the American Revolution considered unique for its times?

The Seven Years' War changed everything, leading to a staggering war debt that influenced British policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher most influenced Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke influenced Thomas Jefferson. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. They each had the same objective, what was it?

Both aimed to limit the power of the monarchy and protect civil rights. Signup and view all the answers

Who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta? What did they want from him?

The barons forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, demanding certain rights. Signup and view all the answers

The US Bill of Rights was designed to serve which purpose?

To put limits on the national government's right to control specific civil liberties and rights. Signup and view all the answers

Why was 'No Taxation without Representation' considered a violation of the rights of British subjects?

Colonists believed that their rights as British citizens were being violated by taxation without representation. Signup and view all the answers

Find the section of the Declaration of Independence that outlines the 'repeated injuries and usurpations' of the King.

He has called together legislative bodies at unusual, uncomfortable places for the purpose of compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways the Enlightenment influenced the American Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas promoted freedom of speech, equality, freedom of press, and religious tolerance. Signup and view all the answers

How are Montesquieu's Enlightenment ideals seen in the American Constitution?

Montesquieu's belief in the separation of powers is seen through the checks and balances in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the right and duty to throw off the government when it 'reduces them under absolute despotism'?

The people have the right and duty to throw off such a government. Signup and view all the answers

The First Amendment of the US Bill of Rights is an example of the ideals written about by what Enlightenment philosopher?

The First Amendment reflects the ideas of John Locke. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of separation of powers.

An act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of government in separate bodies. Signup and view all the answers

Which US founding document is the best example of Montesquieu?

The US Constitution is the best example of Montesquieu's ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Scientific Revolution?

A major change in European thought, characterized by careful observation and questioning of accepted beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Enlightenment?

A movement that began in Europe in the late 1600s as people began examining the natural world, society, and government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the divine right of kings?

The belief that the authority of kings comes directly from God. Signup and view all the answers

What are natural rights?

Life, Liberty, and Property. Signup and view all the answers

What is the separation of powers?

The constitutional division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights

The Magna Carta was pivotal in limiting royal authority and establishing the rule of law in England.
It originated as a peace treaty between King John and dissatisfied barons in 1215.
The English Bill of Rights followed, ensuring the monarchy couldn't amass excessive power, emphasizing individual liberties.

Natural Rights and Influences

The Declaration of Independence is a key document embodying natural rights, with Thomas Jefferson influenced by John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" from 1689.
Locke's philosophy highlighted the rights to life, liberty, and property, influencing revolutionary thought in America.

Enlightenment Thought and American Revolution

Enlightenment ideals played a crucial role in motivating the American colonies toward independence, advocating for freedom of speech, equality, and religious tolerance.
Montesquieu introduced the notion of separation of powers, impacting the structure of the US government.

Success of the American Revolution

Unlike the French Revolution, the American Revolution successfully established a stable government rather than devolving into tyranny.
Key historical context includes the Seven Years' War's financial burden on Britain leading to increased taxation and colonial dissent.

Philosophers' Contributions

John Locke is often acknowledged as the "Father of Liberalism," greatly influencing the development of democratic principles.
Thomas Hobbes had a contrasting view, asserting that people are inherently selfish and require authoritative governance.

Bill of Rights

Ratified in 1791, the US Bill of Rights protects civil liberties and limits governmental power, ensuring fundamental rights for citizens.
The First Amendment reflects Enlightenment ideals, promoting freedoms such as speech and press, influenced by Locke and Beccaria.

Separation of Powers

The concept of separation of powers divides government authority into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one entity from gaining excessive power.
Checks and balances ensure that each branch can regulate the others, a principle established by Montesquieu.

Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

The Scientific Revolution marked a shift in European thought towards empirical observation and skepticism of tradition, paving the way for Enlightenment thinking, which began in the late 1600s.

Divine Right of Kings vs. Natural Rights

The belief in the divine right of kings posited that monarchs derived authority from God, standing in opposition to the Enlightenment emphasis on natural rights and individual sovereignty.
Natural rights philosophy argues for individual freedoms that governments should respect and protect.

Context of "No Taxation Without Representation"

This slogan became a rallying cry for colonists who believed British taxation without their consent violated their rights as British subjects, revealing tensions over self-governance.

Legacy of Enlightenment

The Enlightenment stimulated widespread social and political change, leading to revolutions and the questioning of established authority in Europe and America alike, marking a significant historical transformation.

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Description

Explore key concepts surrounding the Enlightenment and the American Revolution with these flashcards. Learn about pivotal documents like the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights and their impact on English government and rights. Perfect for anyone studying American history or political philosophy.