The Scientific Revolution encouraged people to think differently. E. Napp

People began to apply the scientific method to history, government, and economics. E. Napp

During the 17th and 18th centuries, scholars had such confidence in reason that they believed that they could use it to free people from superstition, poverty, and oppression. E. Napp

The importance of reason to this period has caused it to become known as the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. E. Napp

People began to ask questions. They began to criticize the “old ways”. E. Napp

Paris became the center of the Enlightenment as French thinkers discussed ways to improve society. E. Napp

In Paris, wealthy women invited philosophers to gather in their homes to discuss new ideas. E. Napp

These meetings were called salons. E. Napp

Philosophers began to discuss religious toleration and religious freedom. E. Napp

They began to discuss separation of powers. E. Napp

They began to discuss individual rights. E. Napp

Once again, ideas changed world history. E. Napp

The Age of Reason changed world history. E. Napp