(18th century Enlightenment) Age of Reason (18th century Enlightenment) Natural laws apply to government as well as science! Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property A FAIR society is based on REASON, not “Divine Right” Enlightenment thinkers thought that like laws in natural science, there were laws governing human society. Laws of nature (natural laws) give people rights of life, liberty and property. Men can build a fair society based on reason (rationality). They challenged the theory of "Divine Right of Kings."   Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau – Famous Thinkers – their ideas inspire revolutions REVOLUTION!!!

The Enlightenment Approximately 1680-1790 where thinkers and writers, mainly in London and Paris, believed that they were more enlightened than those around them and set out to enlighten them.

Comes directly from the Humanists of the Renaissance. Man is intelligent and can think and act for himself. Enlightenment Philosophers Human reason can be used to combat ignorance, superstition, and tyranny and to build a better world. The major things that they were angry with were religion and the society where people were important based on birth rather than ability.

The Enlightenment

The Middle Class The Middle Class grew out of the Renaissance trade. No longer was it just those that were born with money that had money. Wanted to change the world they lived in.

The Philosopher Behind the Age Thomas Hobbes 1660 – Wrote the Leviathan (Giant) Discussed the perfect government People first lived in anarchy Needed a “social contract” Required an absolute monarch to maintain order People retained the right only to maintain their lives.

England - Pathway to Revolution 1603-1689 Elizabeth I (1558-1603) – Absolute ruler of England. Kept Parliament on her side. Stabilized the nation and expanded British territory. Died without an heir. Country had to decide who would replace her.

England - Pathway to Revolution 1603-1689

France – Louis XIV Ruled 1643 - 1715 Called himself the Sun King Believed in divine right. “L’etat, c’est moi.” I am the state. Made French army the strongest in Europe France was the wealthiest country in Europe under Louis XIV Louis XIV spent huge amounts of money Built Versailles.

France – Louis XIV Versailles Expanded from a hunting lodge in 1669. Became the symbol to European monarchs of the wealth and power of the king of France. Seat of French government for over 100 years. Its upkeep consumed as much as 25% of the income of France.

Versailles All of the following photos of Versailles come from the following site. http://www.virtourist.com/europe/versailles/

Versailles

Chateau of Versailles, the Chapel Royal The Hall of Mirrors Chateau of Versailles, the Chapel Royal

Apartment of the King, Bedchamber Crusades Rooms State Apartments, Mars Drawing room

Gardens Bringing water to these fountains has always been a problem. Already in times of the King Sun there were plans to bring the water from the Rhone River --this river lies more than 200 km from Versailles. 120 miles of channels and aqueducts are currently necessary to bring the 32 fountains of the Versailles gardens to live.

Gardens

The Middle Class Called the Bourgeoisie Middle Class status (not born into higher class) but quite wealthy. They are angry that they are paying taxes to support an expensive aristocracy. The ruling class that was made up a small amount of wealthy individuals. They saw that the aristocracy was not willing to share power with those who were working to earn the country’s money.

France Enlightenment took hold in France where the 3rd Estate was frustrated because they were paying higher and higher taxes each year to support King Louis XVI and his followers who were doing nothing but living the high life at Versailles.

Enlightenment Philosophers John Locke England Purpose of government is to protect god given rights such as life, liberty and property. Rulers should stay in power only as long as they have the consent of the people they govern Voltaire France Freedom of speech is important “I do not agree with a word you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it”

Enlightenment Philosophers Jean Jacques Rousseau Switzerland Government should be a contract between people, not between people and a ruler. People are equal and have a right to individual freedoms. Thomas Jefferson Used many Enlightenment ideas in the Declaration of Independence. Believed that the success of democracy depended upon the reasoned decisions of voters.

How does this lead to Revolution? The purpose of government is to protect rights. If it fails to do that than the people can and should revolt and set up a new government.

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