The Age of Enlightenment Late 1600s to the 1800s “If there is something you know, communicate it. If there is something you don't know, search for it.”

Learning Targets I can describe at least three characteristics of the Enlightenment I can list at least 5 enlightenment thinkers I can match the enlightenment thinkers with core values of our democracy I can explain at least two long-term effects of the enlightenment

Historical Context Age of Enlightenment took place in the late 1600s to the 1700s throughout Europe and its colonies It developed with the increase in learning and literacy during the Renaissance The proliferation (spreading) of knowledge, due to the printing press, was a major factor

What was this “Enlightenment”? Characterized by an increase in intellectualism (deep thinking), which had the affects of… Reform society through reason and individualism Challenged tradition, religion, and superstition Promoted solving social problems using the scientific method – developed from the scientific revolution associated with the Renaissance Challenged Absolutism

R-A-L-L-Y T-I-M-E What other historical period that we have studied is similar to the Enlightenment? Why – try to come up with at least two reasons

The Salons Enlightenment ideas and knowledge, as well as culture, literature, music, etc., were spread through gatherings in Salons Salons were popular meeting places among the wealthy and were held  "either to please or to educate" 

The Salons Women played an important role as host – affected the role of women Culminated with the writing of the Encyclopédie Collections of writings that represented enlightenment thought Essentially these were the “social media” of the age! Imagine, people actually conversed face-to-face

Figures of the Enlightenment Several important philosophers and thinkers made significant contributions to the modern world Many of their writings and ideas still influence our world, specifically modern government

Thinkers: Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) Believed people were naturally cruel Need Absolute Monarchy for control People give up freedom for order (social contract) John Locke (1632-1704) Believed people had natural rights Social contract exist to protect rights Bad government should be replaced Baron de Montesquieu (1712-1788) Believed governments should have separation of powers Three branches of government

Thinkers: Voltaire, Rousseau, Smith Advocated freedom of speech Open criticism of government Rousseau (1712-1788) Promoted social contract and people are naturally good Majority Rules Adam Smith (1723-1790) Helped shape modern capitalism Laissez Faire – government should not interfere with economy

R-A-L-L-Y T-I-M-E Think about our government What things about our government can you see in these enlightenment thinkers and their ideas

Impact of the Enlightenment People begin to question the role of government Many reject the idea of absolutism Some monarchs become “enlightened despots” – monarchs who are more responsive to the people Allowed religious freedom, political freedoms, etc. Catherine the Great of Russia Fredrick the Great of Prussia

Impact of the Enlightenment The writings and ideas of the enlightenment thinkers will be used to challenge monarchy Revolutions will ensue throughout the 1700s and 1800s based around enlightenment thought Many of these revolutions will bring about the first republics (people choosing their governments) since Rome