The Enlightenment

Sparked by the Scientific Revolution Human Reason and Natural law Philosophes believed the use of reason could lead to reforms of government, law, and society.

The Enlightenment Objected divine right, spoils of clergy and nobles who paid little to no taxes Deists: not all atheist, believed in god but rejected church authority.

Thomas Hobbes ( ) Conflict was part of human nature and government needed to keep order. –Without it people would fight, rob and oppress because they are naturally cruel, greedy and selfish –Believed in absolute monarchy Social Contract- give up freedom for an organized society Rebellion= Chaos

John Locke ( ) We are shaped by our society and experiences. People could improve themselves. Favored self-government. All people were born free and equal with natural rights.

John Locke Natural Rights: –Life –Liberty –Property Government’s purpose is to protect those rights. If not protected, citizens have the right to rebel.

Montesquieu criticized absolute monarchy. Divide functions and powers of government into legislative, executive, and judicial System of checks and balances.

Voltaire Fought for tolerance, reason, free speech and limited government “ I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Jean Jacques Rousseau ( ) Arts and science corrupted people’s natural goodness. People in civilized society are unhappy, insecure, and selfish. People should live outdoors in harmony with nature. Social Contract-Direct Democracy Good of the whole vs. individual interests. Faith in the “general will”

Political beliefs Liberal – a person who wants to reform the political system using every legal means Conservative – a person who would like to see the political system stay as it is, admitting only the slightest changes and making these changes slowly and carefully Radical- a person who wants extreme change now and is willing to use violence and illegal means, if necessary Reactionary- a person who wants to change back to “the gold old days”

Stages of Revolution 1. Liberal Reform –big event that makes everyone mad, initial event with a general base of support –access to weapons(don't have to use them but must threaten with them) –Begun by the Liberals –Must make some changes, attempts to forge a constitution –Rule of the Moderates –Begin rule under new constitution, usually split rule

2. Radical Bloodletting Goal: Try to take over and keep control, stop people from taking control from you. Radicals take control radicals make too many changes too fast people attempt to revolt and the Radicals must begin eliminating political opposition

3. Reaction to Violence Small group of people, usually aristocracy, make small changes that give the appearance that the problems are being resolved actual attempts are made to return to the prior situation (violence) Corruption is present Economic instability occurs

4. One Strong Ruler Emerges Must have support of the military. Makes changes to keep the current government in control

Background to the Revolution in France Louis XIV –Absolutist –Built Palace of Versailles –Extensive court ceremonies –Made all nobles happy! Let them live at palace for free! Marie Antionette and Louis XVI –Austrian princess, not French –Begin to rule at the ages of 15 and 16 –Louis XVI is a push over

France’e Economy Severe Debt from: –Building and maintaining Palace of Versailles –Horrible Harvest (no money or food) –Gave $ to help with American Revolution –Seven Years War left them broke –Queen spends lavishly!

How do they solve the problem? Make the rich pay taxes? YEAH RIGHT! Louis XVI had too much pressure from the clergy and nobility Rather than taxing the upper class he calls a meeting of the Estates General –Estates General: Legislative body that could be called in the time of a crisis made up of members from the 3 Estates of French society

The 3 Estates 1 st Estate: –Higher and lower clergy Had enormous wealth Owned most land Did not have to pay taxes 2 nd Estate: –Nobility Owned ¼ of the land High Government and military officials Received gifts and pensions from Kings Received payments from peasants living on land Jealous of Kings power

The Third Estate EVERYONE ELSE! –Peasants, city workers, and middle class Rich and poor Peasants: largest group, owned small farms and made no money Taxed heaviest to Church and King 1788 poor harvest and harsh winter left no food or money

The Third Estate Middle and Working Class (Bourgeoisie) –Merchants, bankers, lawyers, doctors, intellectuals, etc. –Had $ but no prestige or influence of noble birth –Well educated and adopted the ideas of the Enlightenment