Key Thinkers of the Enlightenment

Montesquieu French philosopher French philosopher “Government should be set up so no man be afraid of another” “Government should be set up so no man be afraid of another” Helped enforce the idea of separation of power (Checks and balances) Helped enforce the idea of separation of power (Checks and balances)

Said French society was split into three groups: Monarchy, aristocracy and the commons Said French society was split into three groups: Monarchy, aristocracy and the commons Anti-slavery Anti-slavery Also said weather affects societies: Cold climates have societies that are too stiff, hot climates are too hot- tempered Also said weather affects societies: Cold climates have societies that are too stiff, hot climates are too hot- tempered France had an ideal climate France had an ideal climate

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Born in Switzerland, but did a lot of work in France Born in Switzerland, but did a lot of work in France His ideas helped motivate the French Revolution His ideas helped motivate the French Revolution

Rousseau

Nature vs. Society Nature vs. Society –Mankind is good by nature –Mankind is corrupted by society

Social Contract Rousseau published “The Social Contract” in 1762 Rousseau published “The Social Contract” in 1762 –Society must create institutions of law in order to exist –The people are the ones that write the law –Government is run by a few people, known as magistrates

Education Rousseau thought childhood was broken into three stages Rousseau thought childhood was broken into three stages –Up to age 12, complex thinking is not possible and kids behave like animals –Ages 12-16, reason starts to develop –After age 16, children develop into adults

The Pantheon This is where Rousseau This is where Rousseau is buried today. It used to be a church, but now is used as a burial for famous French men and women.

Adam Smith Born in Scotland Born in Scotland Economist Economist

“Wealth of Nations” Written in 1776 Written in 1776 Advocate of free trade Advocate of free trade A free market is chaotic, but works out in the end A free market is chaotic, but works out in the end Supported a “laissez faire” policy Supported a “laissez faire” policy Laissez faire is a “hands off” approach when it come to government and the economy Laissez faire is a “hands off” approach when it come to government and the economy

Adam Smith Adam Smith

Human nature is greedy Human nature is greedy Competition in the free market will keep prices low Competition in the free market will keep prices low Did not want to see the creation of monopolies Did not want to see the creation of monopolies