Pump-Up Recently we talked about absolute monarchs having total control of the power. As time changes, what do you think the relationship of the government and the citizens will be like?

The Enlightenment

Today’s Vocabulary Enlightenment Social Contract A new movement that stressed reason, thought and the power of individuals to solve problems. Social Contract Hobbes’s idea that people had to hand over their rights to a strong ruler in exchange for law and order.

Today’s Vocabulary Natural Rights Separation of Powers Locke’s idea that everybody is born free and has the right to life, liberty, and property. Separation of Powers Montesquieu’s idea that the gov’t needs 3 different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial).

Views on Government Thomas Hobbes John Locke Believed that without gov’t, life would be chaos. Need an absolute ruler to impose order and demand obedience. Social contract John Locke The purpose of gov’t is to protect your natural rights. If a gov’t fails to do so, citizens have a right to overthrow it.

Philosophers Advocate Reason Voltaire Fought for freedom of speech and religion. “I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Montesquieu Believed in separation of powers to keep one group from gaining total control of the gov’t. Rousseau Wanted a direct democracy and since all people are equal, titles of nobility should be abolished and land should be equally distributed. Beccaria Argued that people have the right to a speedy trial and punishments should match the crime.

Women and the Enlightenment Mary Astell Believed that women needed educational opportunities and women should have an equal role in marriage. “If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?” Mary Wollstonecraft Argued that women needed education and should enter the male dominated fields of medicine and politics.

Legacy of the Enlightenment Progress Reformers urged for greater social equality and a more democratic style of gov’t. Secular Views People began to question their religious beliefs and the teachings of the church. Individualism People used their own ability to reason in order to judge what was right or wrong.

A World of Ideas Salons and the Encyclopedia helped spread Enlightened ideas. Attracted the middle class Led to censorship of printed materials that were spreading Enlightened ideas. Painters showed nobles in charming rural settings, surrounded by happy servants and pets. Classical music developed. Bach and Mozart Authors wrote about the unknown and the endless possibilities the world held.

Enlightened Despots Frederick the Great (Prussia) Joseph II (Austria) Granted religious freedom, reduced censorship, improved education, and abolished the use of torture. “The first servant of the state.” Did nothing to end the use of serfs. Joseph II (Austria) Introduced freedom of the press and religion and abolished serfdom. Catherine the Great (Russia) Recommended religious toleration, abolishing torture and capital punishment. Favored an end to serfdom until a peasant revolt occurred.

Reflection Explain how the Enlightenment will lead people to change their views on the gov’t.