The Enlightenment (1650-1800)

The Enlightenment (1650-1800)

• European philosophers rethought old ideas about government, religion, and economics
• This period led to a new era, known as the Enlightenment

Enlightenment Thinkers (Intellectuals)

• Called "philosophes"
• Believed in new truths discovered through logic and reason
• Believed in progress and that life should be improved
• Argued for natural rights (personal freedoms that protect liberty)

Causes of the Enlightenment

• Renaissance: Questioning medieval ideas and emphasizing human potential
• Protestant Reformation: Questioning church teachings and exploring new ideas
• Age of Exploration: Discovery of new lands and trade routes
• Absolute Monarchs: Lavish spending and expensive wars

Changing Idea: The Right to Govern

• Old Idea: A monarch's rule is justified by divine right
• New Idea: A government's power comes from the consent of the governed

Political Ideas of the Enlightenment

• Thomas Hobbes: Believed humans are naturally cruel and selfish, needing a strong ruler.
• Hobbes Supported: Absolute monarchs using scientific reasoning. - Hobbes believed in the social contract. People give up power and rights to a king in exchange for law and order.
• John Locke: Believed people are born with natural rights (life, liberty, and property). - Locke supported a limited or constitutional government. - Locke believed that government's power comes from the consent of the governed (approval of the people). - Kings could be overthrown if they violated the rights of the people.
• Baron de Montesquieu: Advocated for separation of powers in government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial). - Governments should limit each other’s powers
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Believed people are naturally good but power corrupts them. - People should form a social contract, guided by "the general will" of the majority
• Cesare Beccaria: Criticized abuses in the justice system. - Argued against torture, corrupt judges, and secret trials.
  - Argued for fair and speedy trials and the abolishment of capital punishment.

Impact of the Enlightenment

• Culture: Neoclassical art and music emerged as Enlightenment ideals of perfection and reason influenced these areas.
• Economics: Capitalism, laissez-faire economic model
• Impact on Society: Increased literacy rates through the creation of the Encyclopedia
  • Denis Diderot created the first encyclopedia which included essays and sketches, spreading Enlightenment ideas.
• Women: Some women, like Mary Wollstonecraft, argued for more opportunities for education.
• Kings: Philosophers attacked absolute rule, and advocated for a limited monarchy that respected its citizens' rights.
• Enlightened Despots like Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia listened to and supported these ideas to try to improve the lives of their citizens.

Revolutions

• Enlightenment ideas spread and inspired revolutions.
• Colonists challenged the British monarchy leading to the American Revolution.
• Revolutions also broke out in France and Latin America.