Warm Up Voltaire on Equality.

A Comparative Analysis French Inequalities under the Ancien Regime V. Enlightenment Principles A Comparative Analysis

Objectives Today we will develop a greater understanding of the causes of the French Revolution by comparing and contrasting enlightenment principles with the social, economic and political inequalities of society under the French Ancien’ Regime. Procedure Revisit Enlightenment ideals Compare primary and secondary sources Think/Pair/Share Apply information by writing Exit Ticket

The Principles of the Enlightenment Philosophes sought to apply the rules of reason and common sense to all major institutions and social practices of the 18th century. Empiricism, humanism. How would this relate to individual empowerment? They desired to reform religion, political thought, society, government, and the economy for the sake of human liberty. Locke – Unalienable rights How would Locke’s ideas challenge the status quo of the Ancien Regime? Study, education, and action would lead to a better future. Individual empowerment. States were not ordained by God and should be subject to critical scrutiny. How did this sharply differentiate the Philosophes from the French monarchy?

Letter VIII: On The Parliament Voltaire (1694-1778): Letters on the English or Lettres Philosophiques, c. 1778 Letter VIII: On The Parliament “…The English are the only people upon earth who have been able to prescribe limits to the power of kings by resisting them; and who, by a series of struggles, have at last established that wise Government where the Prince is all powerful to do good, and, at the same time, is restrained from committing evil; where the nobles are great without insolence, though there are no vassals; and where the people share in the Government without confusion.” Quick Write: Connect what Voltaire is primarily celebrating about the English Constitutional Monarchy to the status quo of the Ancien Regime.

The Diffusion of Enlightenment Thought Throughout Europe Enlightenment ideas were spread throughout France in salons, academies and Masonic lodges. Salons brought together the nobility and the bourgeoisie in private homes throughout Paris. Edward Gibbon, an Englishman traveling through Paris stated that he had, “heard more conversation worth remembering than I had done in two or three winters in London.”

Enlightenment Ideas vs. Ancien’ Regime T-Chart Populate the T-Chart illustrating the enlightenment ideals identified in this lesson versus the inequalities inherent in the Ancien’ Regime from previous lessons. Use notes, and supplemental materials (Arthur Young, Voltaire) Incorporate direct quotes into your list. Think/Pair/Share Write a one paragraph response to the prompt, “How are the inequalities inherent in pre-Revolutionary France (Ancien Regime) at odds with the principles of the Enlightenment?” Respond to Exit Ticket on Edmodo. To what extent did the Enlightenment influence the onset of the French Revolution?”