Enlightenment & Atlantic Revolutions

​Enlightenment & Atlantic Revolutions

By Meredith EastWakeMS

Open Ended

The Source: Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789)

"1. Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good.

2. The aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression."

Which Enlightenment thinker's "Natural Rights" (Life, Liberty, Property) are most clearly reflected in Article 2?

The Thinkers

John Locke: Argued all people have "Natural Rights" (Life, Liberty, Property).

Montesquieu: Proposed "Separation of Powers" (3 branches of government).

Rousseau: Social Contract—government only exists because the people allow it.

Multiple Choice

If a government fails to protect a citizen’s "Life, Liberty, and Property," which Enlightenment thinker’s ideas are being violated?

• Montesquieu

• John Locke

• King Louis XVI

• Toussaint L’Ouverture

The American & French Revolutions

American (1776): Fought against "Taxation without Representation."

French (1789): Driven by inequality between the "Estates." The Third Estate (peasants/middle class) revolted against the King.

Multiple Choice

What was the primary cause of the French Revolution?

• A desire to return to a more powerful monarchy.

• The British government’s refusal to allow "Taxation without Representation."

• Extreme inequality between the Third Estate (the people) and the ruling classes.

• A dispute over who should be the next Pope.

The Haitian Revolution (1791)

The only successful slave revolt in history.

Led by Toussaint L’Ouverture.

It resulted in the first independent nation in Latin America.

Multiple Choice

Why is the Haitian Revolution considered a unique event in world history?

• It was the first time a king was executed by his people.

• It was the only successful revolt of enslaved people that led to the creation of a new nation.

• It was the only revolution that didn't involve any fighting.

• It was led by British merchants looking for lower taxes.

Multiple Choice

How did the Atlantic Revolutions fundamentally change the relationship between the government and the people?

• Governments began to give all power to a single leader.

• They popularized the idea that governments exist to serve the people and protect their rights.

• They made it illegal for people to pay any taxes at all.

• They discouraged other nations from seeking independence.

Multiple Choice

Despite the focus on "Natural Rights," what was a major limitation or failure of many of these early revolutions?

• They made it impossible for people to trade with one another.

• Most people decided they preferred having a King.

• They caused the total collapse of the global economy.

• They often failed to grant rights to everyone, initially excluding women, enslaved people, and those without property.