“All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.” Natural Rights “…Whenever the government takes away or destroys people’s property and rights, it puts itself against the people and the people are no longer required from following its laws. At this point, the people have a right to establish a new government to preserve order and protect their rights, which is the whole purpose of a government.” Gives people right to rebellion Abuse of power by government

“It’s good to be the king.” What about our rights?!

ThinkerIdeaInfluence on U.S. John LockeSocial contract, natural rights, right to rebellion Influenced Declaration of Independence VoltaireFreedom of Speech Bill of Rights (1 st Amendment) Charles-Louis de Montesquieu Separation of Powers U.S. Constitution Jean-Jacques Rousseau Social contract, democratic gov’t U.S. system of government Mary Wollstonecraft Women’s rights (esp. education) Feminist movements

FREDERICK II OF PRUSSIA JOSEPH II OF AUSTRIA  Freedom of the press  Religious tolerance  Banned torture  Freedom of the press  Religious tolerance  Banned torture  No death penalty  Freed serfs CATHERINE THE GREAT OF RUSSIA  Used ideas of Montesquieu in gov’t  Scientific farming methods  Built new schools & hospitals

Frederick II of Prussia Joseph II of Austria Catherine II of Russia