The Enlightenment and the American and French Revolutions

This cover of one of Voltaire’s published books shows him receiving divine light and inspiration from Isaac Newton as he translated Newton’s work. 

Which concept influenced the development of the Enlightenment? 

• A. enlightened despots 

• B. the Scientific Revolution 

• C. constitutional government 

• D. the writing of the Declaration of Independence

This painting is of chemist and French nobleman Monsieur de Lavoisier and his wife, the chemist Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze.  He is known as the “father of modern chemistry.” 

What was one way the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment were similar?

• A. They led to the Protestant Reformation. 

• B. They rejected Renaissance secularism. 

• C. They encouraged the spread of new ideas. 

• D. They strengthened the institution of the Church. 

What idea do both the English Bill of Rights and the Enlightenment political philosophy of John Locke support? 

• A. absolute power 

• B. limited government 

• C. aristocratic anarchy 

• D. communist bureaucracy

Thomas Hobbes published his book, Leviathan, in 1651.  He argued that people were cruel, greedy, and selfish, causing life to be unpleasant, poor, and short. 

What was the foundation of Thomas Hobbes’s social contract? 

• A. Only a laissez-faire government could produce an orderly society. 

• B. Only a government that protected natural rights could produce an orderly society. 

• C. Only a powerful government, such as an absolute monarchy, could produce an orderly society. 

• D. Only a weak government, such as one headed by an enlightened despot, could produce an orderly society. 

“Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” 

― John Locke, Second Treatise of Government 

What document John Locke’s view of natural rights directly influences? 

• A. the Magna Carta 

• B. the Petition of Right 

• C. the United States Sentiments 

• D. the Declaration of Independence

This illustration shows Thomas Paine surrounded by injustices that led to the French Revolution, in 1789.  Paine wrote the “Rights of Man” in defense of the French Revolution. 

Which Enlightenment philosophy contributed to the French Revolution?

• A. rococo art 

• B. laissez faire 

• C. anarch rights 

• D. social contract

The painting shows Catherine the Great in the Russian national costume, circa 1780.  The Empress became a patron of women’s education in Russia throughout the 18th century and created separate boarding schools for both boys and girls. 

Which Enlightenment thinker protested for equal education for girls and boys?

• A. John Locke 

• B. Montesquieu 

• C. Mary Wollstonecraft 

• D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

 King Philip II ruled Spain from 1556 to 1598; Portugal from 1580 to 1598; Naples and Sicily from 1554 to 1598; and ruled the Netherlands from 1555 until the Dutch Republic declared independence in 1581. 

 The Enlightenment was a reaction to what political philosophy? 

 

• A. anarchy 

• B. absolutism 

• C. democracy

• D. communism

The graphic shows the three branches that divide the functions and powers of government in the United States. 

Which Enlightenment philosopher proposed separation of powers as the best way to protect liberty? 

• A. Voltaire 

• B. Montesquieu 

• C. Mary Wollstonecraft 

• D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

This illustration shows Adam Smith, the author of The Wealth of Nations.

Which statement describes the Enlightenment economic philosophy of laissez-faire?

• A. Unequal distribution of property was caused by the corruption of society.

• B. Only enlightened despots should be allowed to influence a country’s economy.

• C. Businesses should be free to operate with little or no interference from the government. 

• D. Privately owned businesses should operate with complete oversight from local governments.