The Enlightenment (1700s)

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What was the Enlightenment?

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(1700s) The Enlightenment was the period in European history when reason (logic) was used to understand and improve society.

*Often called 'The Age of Reason.'

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What did Enlightenment philosophers believe about society?

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They believed society could be improved by using reason (logic) and natural law (universal rules that are always true).

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Where did Enlightenment philosophers believe governments receive their authority?

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They believed governments receive their authority from the people, not from God.

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What type of government did Enlightenment philosophers support?

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They believed in democracy, a government where the people have a say.

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What is a key connection between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment?

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Both encouraged the spread of new ideas and the use of reason.

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Who was John Locke and what did he believe?

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John Locke believed that all people have natural rights (the right to life, liberty, and property) and that people have the right to overthrow governments that fail to protect these rights.

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What was Baron de Montesquieu's belief about government power?

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He believed that power in government should be divided into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent kings from being too strong, ensuring a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.

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What were Voltaire's beliefs?

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Voltaire believed that everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

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What was Rousseau's belief about society?

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Rousseau believed that society is a social contract, an agreement in which all people agree to work for the common good of society.

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What were the key effects of the Enlightenment?

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The Enlightenment helped cause political revolutions in France, Latin America, and the United States, as philosophers believed people can overthrow unfair governments.