Absolutism = complete and unrestricted control of a nation by a monarch (Ruled by means of Divine Right- an idea that power of monarch is derived from God) no representative gov’t done as a means to keep order—very strict prevalent in Europe in the 17th century

Leviathan—Thomas Hobbes Reason for Absolutism Leviathan—Thomas Hobbes Written in 1651. Said that: Ppl are harsh, violent & evil Ab rulers must keep order, control ppl and protect them from each other Control acheives through fear of -death -torture -loss of power/status

The Prince— Niccolo Machiavelli (1513) Most influential books on the acquisition and use of political power Seen as a guide even today of how to gain and hold onto power Using force to rule is better than the use of fair laws “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”

Age of Enlightenment—16th –18th c. Major Ideas: Enlightenment -major change in the way that ppl thought of how they should be governed— Ppl in power rejected new ideas, but ideas spread and revolutions began Ex. Protestant Revolution was an Enlightened movement because it rejected absolute power of the Catholic Church

ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS Led to REVOLUTIONS—when ideas were acted on

Revolution A profound change in the way ppl think or act Can be applied to society, gov’t, economics etc. Often, revolutions are associated w/ a change in gov’t During 17th c., the revolution was based on new ideas and discoveries

Age of Enlightenment = period where accepted ideas and beliefs were questioned and a “thought” revolution occurred. Age of Science (1500—1700) Ppl began to think and analyze scientifically Sci theories were questioned Led to new way of thinking about nature (Laws governed nature) Age of Reason (1600—1800) Ppl applied new way of thinking to humans Began to look for rational laws that governed humans Applied to gov’t, religion, economics…

Jean Jacques Rousseau Major Thinkers of the Enlightenment French/Swiss Wrote The Social Contract Gov’t was legitimate only if ppl consented to it All ppl are equal John Locke English Wrote Two Treatise on Gov’t Right to rebel against bad rulers Natural Rights (life, liberty, property) Baron de Montesquieu French Wrote On the Spirit of Laws System of “checks & balances”

Voltaire Denis Diderot French Used “satire” to criticize Freedom of speech, religion, the press French Edited Encyclopedia Power of “intellectual community” Adam Smith: Wealth of Nations Laissez Faire- Capitalism Free Trade: Self Interest, Competition, Supply and Demand Hume 1. Consent of the Governed 2. Humans are equal to their rulers 3. All must agree on law

What Philospohes were For Reason (logic) in Gov’t Ppl should be equal— No “privileged” classes Poor should not pay for lifestyle of the rich Ppl have natural rights (life, liberty, property) Ppl should be represented in gov’t—voting Gov’t should work for ppl—not against them

What Philosophes were Against Following tradition blindly—w/o any proof that it should be followed Ex: Power of monarchs/nobles Power of Church Lack of questioning of authority

Industrial Revolution 1700s- 1900s. Because of the scientific advancements, the industrial revolution occurred in Northwest Europe in the 1700s and later in the U.S. in the 1800s People moved from their agricultural societies to work on factories Caused a separation in social class based on positions in the factories and money earned (rich got richer and poor got poorer) New economic/political philosophies emerged to help correct social justice problems To be cont. Topic #7