Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a primary characteristic of the Enlightenment period?
What was a primary characteristic of the Enlightenment period?
Which concept asserts that a ruler's authority is derived directly from a divine source?
Which concept asserts that a ruler's authority is derived directly from a divine source?
What differentiates democracy from monarchy according to Enlightenment ideals?
What differentiates democracy from monarchy according to Enlightenment ideals?
Which of the following ideas was NOT commonly associated with Enlightenment thinkers?
Which of the following ideas was NOT commonly associated with Enlightenment thinkers?
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Which statement best summarizes the relationship between the Enlightenment and absolute monarchy?
Which statement best summarizes the relationship between the Enlightenment and absolute monarchy?
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Which philosopher is associated with the concept that individuals give up personal independence for security and protection?
Which philosopher is associated with the concept that individuals give up personal independence for security and protection?
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What are the natural rights as defined in the discussions?
What are the natural rights as defined in the discussions?
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Who is acknowledged for promoting the idea of tolerance, specifically in relation to freedom of speech and religion?
Who is acknowledged for promoting the idea of tolerance, specifically in relation to freedom of speech and religion?
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What does the term 'divine right' refer to in political philosophy?
What does the term 'divine right' refer to in political philosophy?
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In the context of governance, what does 'separation of powers' aim to achieve?
In the context of governance, what does 'separation of powers' aim to achieve?
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Study Notes
Enlightenment Ideas
- Questioned absolutism
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Natural Rights
- Life, liberty, and property
- John Locke is credited with this idea
-
Social Contract
- Give up personal independence for security and protection
- Thomas Hobbes is credited with this idea
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Voltaire and Tolerance
- Voltaire is credited with promoting tolerance
- Relevant to freedom of speech and religion
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Divine Right of Kings
- The idea that a ruler's authority comes directly from God
-
Separation of Powers
- Balance of power/checks and balances
French Revolution
- People wanted equality
- Major causes
- Unjust social and political system (Old Regime)
- France was deeply in debt
- Bread shortages and bad harvests
- Enlightenment ideas
- Wide gap between rich and poor
- Weak leadership by Louis XVI
The Old Regime
- Had three social classes:
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First Estate: Members of the clergy
- Paid no taxes
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Second Estate: Rich nobles (aristocracy)
- About 2% of the population
- Owned about 20% of the land
- Paid almost no taxes
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Third Estate: Workers and peasants
- About 98% of the population
- Paid high taxes (about 50% of income)
- Often went hungry
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First Estate: Members of the clergy
French Revolution Reforms
- 1789: First and second stages of reform to instigate social change
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National Assembly: The old National Assembly became the Legislative Assembly
- Created a constitution
- Constitutional Monarchy: France became a constitutional monarchy
- King Louis XVI: Remained King, but was subject to constitution rules.
Radical Overthrow
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Jacobins: Radical political group eliminated the established constitution
- Legislative Assembly changed into a National Convention
-
King Louis XVI Deposed:
- National Convention declared France a republic
- King Louis XVI was tried as a traitor
- King Louis XVI was killed by guillotine
- Sans-Culottes: Played a active role in events leading up to those who aligned with the radical Jacobins.
Absolute vs. Constitutional Monarchy
-
Absolute Monarchy
- Monarch has absolute authority
- Power is not limited by law
- Power is derived from divine right or hereditary succession
- Supreme control over the government and laws
-
Constitutional Monarchy
- The authority of the monarch is limited by a constitution or laws
- Power is defined and limited by law
- The constitution is the supreme authority
- The monarch's power is limited to the authority defined by the constitution
Napoleon
- Born in Corsica
- Brilliant military strategist
- Incredibly charismatic
Coup d'état
- Pronounced "Koo-day-tah"
- Military take-over
- Napoleon was appointed to lead the military
- Napoleon dissolved the legislature
Social Changes
- Tax system was made more equitable
- Removed corrupt officials
- Promoted education for everyone, not just the rich
- Napoleonic Code: laws and rules for everyone
Emperor Napoleon
- Crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804
French Empire
- Military victories and peace treaties led to a large French Empire
Mistakes and Results
-
Blockade of Great Britain
- Intended to damage Great Britain’s economy
- British responded with a more successful blockade
-
Peninsular War
- Napoleon sent an army through Spain
- Napoleon lost 300,000 soldiers
-
Invasion of Russia
- Napoleon decided invade Russia
- French army advanced for months with little to eat and many soldiers died
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Description
Explore the key concepts of the Enlightenment that shaped modern political thought, including natural rights and the social contract. Understand how these ideas contributed to the French Revolution, as citizens sought equality against an unjust system. This quiz delves into significant thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire, as well as the Old Regime's societal structure.
