Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How did the Scientific Revolution influence the Enlightenment?

In the wake of the Scientific Revolution, scholars and philosophers began to reevaluate old notions about society, seeking new insights into government, religion, economics, and education, which spurred the Enlightenment.

How did Enlightenment ideas sweep through Europe?

The Enlightenment started from key ideas put forth by English political thinkers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It reached its height in France in the mid-1700s, particularly in Paris, and eventually traveled to America.

What was the legacy of Enlightenment thinking?

Enlightenment thinking produced belief in progress, a more secular outlook, and the importance of the individual, leading to advancements in scientific knowledge and doubt in religious beliefs.

What are the five beliefs of the philosophes?

Truth through logical thinking Signup and view all the answers

Who attended salons and what happened there?

Philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, and other intellectuals met at salons to discuss ideas. Signup and view all the answers

How did Catherine the Great influence the Enlightened despots?

Catherine the Great formed a commission to reform Russia's laws, supported religious toleration, and abolished torture and capital punishment. Signup and view all the answers

How did Frederick the Great influence the Enlightened despots?

Frederick the Great granted many religious freedoms, reduced censorship, improved education, reformed the justice system, and abolished the use of torture. Signup and view all the answers

How did Joseph II influence the Enlightened despots?

Joseph II introduced legal reforms, freedom of the press, and supported freedom of worship. He abolished serfdom and mandated that peasants be paid for their labor with cash. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Declaration of Independence embody Enlightenment ideals?

The Declaration reflected Enlightenment ideas in its argument for natural rights and included a list of abuses by King George III, asserting the right to rebel against an unjust ruler. Signup and view all the answers

What influenced the American Revolution?

Tensions between Britain and the colonists grew after the French and Indian War, exacerbated by taxes like the Stamp Act, leading to protests and the eventual outbreak of the American Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was Montesquieu's influence on the U.S. Constitution?

Montesquieu influenced the establishment of separate branches of government in the U.S. Constitution, as the delegates distrusted a powerful central government controlled by one person or group. Signup and view all the answers

Whose Enlightenment ideas influenced the Bill of Rights?

The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers influenced the inclusion of the Bill of Rights, which protects basic rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Influence

The Scientific Revolution encouraged scholars to question traditional beliefs about society, leading to the Enlightenment.
Philosophers sought new insights on government, religion, economics, and education, significantly shaping modern thought.

Spread of Enlightenment Ideas

Began with key English thinkers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 1800s.
Reached its peak in France during the mid-1700s, with Paris emerging as a center for political discussion.
Enlightenment ideas eventually traveled to America, influencing colonial thought.

Legacy of Enlightenment Thinking

Introduced ideas of progress, secularism, and individualism, fundamentally impacting Western civilization.
Promoted the notion that human reason could solve social problems, fostering scientific advancements.
Encouraged skepticism towards religious beliefs, challenging mystical views on divine workings.

Key Beliefs of the Philosophes

Reason: Logical thinking can uncover truth.
Nature: What is natural is inherently good.
Happiness: Seek well-being on earth, not just in the afterlife.
Progress: Humanity and society can improve over time.
Liberty: Advocacy for individual rights and freedoms.

Salons and Intellectual Discourse

Salons were gatherings for philosophers, artists, writers, and scientists to discuss revolutionary ideas and philosophies.

Enlightened Despots and Their Reforms

Catherine the Great: Reformed Russian laws, supported religious tolerance, but maintained nobles' power over serfs.
Frederick the Great: Enhanced religious freedoms, reduced censorship, improved education, and abolished torture.
Joseph II: Introduced press freedom, legal reforms, supported religious freedom, abolished serfdom, and mandated payment for labor.

Declaration of Independence and Enlightenment Ideals

Embodied natural rights and justified rebellion against tyranny based on Locke’s theories.
Enumerated grievances against George III, asserting the colonies’ right to separate from Britain.

Influences on the American Revolution

Tensions escalated post-French and Indian War, leading to colonial discontent over taxation (e.g., Stamp Act).
Protests like the Boston Tea Party (1773) triggered the formation of the Continental Congress to address grievances.
Gunfire between British troops and American militia at Lexington and Concord marked the revolution's onset.

Montesquieu's Impact on the U.S. Constitution

Emphasized the need for a separation of powers, establishing legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Contrasted with Hobbes, who advocated for an absolute monarchy, reflecting a fundamental ideological divide.

Enlightenment Influence on the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights, composed of the first ten amendments, ensures essential freedoms like speech, press, assembly, and religion.
These rights were drawn from Enlightenment principles advocating for individual liberties and protections against government overreach.

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Description

Explore the connections between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment with these flashcards. This quiz dives into how new ways of thinking led to a reevaluation of existing beliefs in various societal aspects such as government, religion, and education.