Eighteenth Century France

The Enlightenment was an extension of the Scientific Revolution

It took place against the backdrop of the various European Wars, including: The War of Spanish Succession The War of Austrian Succession The Seven Years War

These terrible wars, with their excessive death tolls, only added evidence to the claims of Enlightenment Philosophers

The Enlightenment was the belief that humankind will advance over time.

That better things were yet to come. . .

This was different than the prior belief that the times of the Ancients, Greece, Rome, and Biblical times had never and would never be surpassed

Science had helped to end persecution of “witches” and superstition

The ideas of science collided with the idea of God

Perhaps God was not so personal Perhaps God was not so personal. Perhaps he was an intelligent human being who wound up the watch and let events unfold.

Many saw God as a “Watchmaker”—who wound the watch up and let it run…this was called deism.

..leaving human beings the freedom to govern themselves.

Deism: God was governed by the natural laws that Newton laid down.

Therefore it was up to mankind to chose its destiny.

Two cultures collided with this belief—the popular and the elite.

During this exciting time, some tried a greater commitment to religion During this exciting time, some tried a greater commitment to religion. In England, Handel wrote his great Messiah…

John Wesley founded the Methodists. He preached in America John Wesley founded the Methodists. He preached in America. This religious agitation was part of the Great Awakening.

At the same time, strange ideas also arose…these ideas were “fads” or areas of mystery.

J.C. Lavater spoke of physiognomy.

And F.A. Mesmer “mesmerized” people.

The ideas of Freemasonry took form in England and Colonial America.

The masons met secretly, had rituals, and, some said, had secret knowledge about ancient rites.

The Masons were very popular among all walks of life The Masons were very popular among all walks of life. Even though they were a “secret” society, they met to discuss many enlightenment concepts.

But of all these groups, the most enlightened and influential were the Philosophes.

They were men who were writers, literary critics, well-known figures who popularized the ideas of the enlightenment.

A philosphe wrote and stirred the pot of new ideas. Voltaire (1694-1778)

Their audience was the informed public from all classes Their audience was the informed public from all classes. They had a lot to say about the flaws of society.

Paris was the heart of this new movement.

And women provided the meeting places in their elegant salons.

The salons were legendary…intelligent women provided a setting for the philosophes to meet and discuss the challenges of the day.

Of course, it helped if the women were charming and witty.

They met on certain days of the week and discussed a variety of subjects.

In the salons, talent and creativity counted more than noble lineage.

In aristocratic circles, Society was still mainly concerned about appearances. The elaborate parties codified etiquette. Wit became most important. Guests competed to say the most erudite and witty comment. If they said something “wrong” they were openly ridiculed!

And one of the great ironies of these salons is that many revolutionary ideas would find their roots in these discussions.