The Enlightenment and American Revolution Chapter 17 - World History B – Mrs. Krabill

1: Philosophy and the Age of Reason F.Q. Focus Question (this should go on your daily chart): What effects did Enlightenment philosophers have on government and society?

Changing the World Thinkers felt with reason they could solve any problem… Political Social Economic Outburst of scholars, writers & philosophers What are you changing the world with?

Background: Scientific Revolution Scientists expanded knowledge Ex. Vaccines – smallpox Natural Law – rules discoverable by reason Ex. Gravity and magnetism Study of human behavior All this leads to the Enlightenment Term coined by Immanuel Kant, The Critique of Pure Reason

Conflicting Views Thomas Hobbes John Locke Powerful government People need to be controlled Life could not exist in the “state of nature” Social contract – agreement by which people give up freedom for organization Absolute Monarchy Optimistic view of people Natural rights – rights belonging to humans at birth Purpose of govt is to protect rights Obligation to the people People could overthrow it Radical for the time

The Philosophes Thinkers who believed reason could lead to reform & improvements on society These ideas spread beyond France and Europe

Montesquieu Studied world governments – ancient and modern Sharp criticism of absolute monarchy Believed in the separation of powers Affected the Framers of the United States Constitution

Voltaire Said what he thought Used “biting wit” to expose abuses in government Corruption, inequality, injustice, superstition Offended the French govt and Catholic Church (gasp!) Imprisoned, forced into exile, outlawed writings Defended freedom of speech

Diderot Compiled articles written by other thinkers into 28-volumes Encyclopedia Denounced slavery Praised freedom of expression & religion Supported education His compilation was translated – spread ideas

Rousseau Believed natural innocence was corrupted by society The Social Contract Minimal government control Hatred of political and economic oppression

Mary Wollenstonecraft Women were left out of the social contract A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Equal education Women should not have to depend on their husbands First role is a good mother Were often condemned for this thinking

New Economic Thinking Physiocrats focused on economic reforms (natural laws) Laissez-Faire replaces mercantilism Little to no government regulation of business Free trade; opposed tariffs (taxes) Adam Smith – Scottish economist The Wealth of Nations Supported free market economy Free trade; supply and demand

2: Enlightenment Ideas Spread As Enlightenment ideas spread across Europe, what cultural and political changes took place?

Heart of the Enlightenment Paris, France Reforms spread from France  Europe  rest of the world Traditional beliefs were found flawed Absolute monarchs feel threatened

New ideas challenge society Educated people read Encyclopedia Changing of society’s worldview Writers are censored because of their attacks on leaders and the church Discuss issues in salons, informal social gatherings Madame Geofrin – respected salon (Mozart & Chopin!)

Arts, literature & music Louis XIV era: Baroque style – huge, colorful, exciting Historical battles or religion Louis XV era: Rococo style – lighter, elegant, charming Not religious, encouraged imagination Classical music Bach, Handel, Mozart, etc. Ballet Novels – prose fiction

Enlightened Despots Absolute monarchs who used their power to bring about social & political change Frederick II – Prussia - praised Voltaire – supported the common good, but didn’t want to give up power Catherine the Great – Russia – equality and liberty Joseph II– Austria – traveled in disguise -improved peasant’s way of life

3: American Revolution (in brief) Britain – global power Controlled trade Won conflicts Large territory Colonists rebel Britain imposed taxes on colonists Continental Congress chose George Washington to lead them Colonists declare independence 1776 – adopt the Declaration Written mostly by Thomas Jefferson