The Enlightenment Chapter 22 Section 2 & 3

Thomas Hobbes- England Wrote Leviathan (1651) Human’s are naturally wicked “Social Contract” – Ruler needs total power Believed the best way to govern is by absolute monarchy

John Locke - England Natural Rights – learn from experience, born free and equal “Life, liberty, and property were basic rights Believed the best way to govern is Self-Government, consent of the people

Voltaire - French Fought for Tolerance, reason, and freedom of religion Freedom of speech Used satire against his opponents Targeted clergy, the aristocracy, and the government

Barron de Montesquieu - French Political Theory Separation of Powers Individuals or groups would not gain total control of government Used idea of check’s and balances – influenced the US constitution

Jean Jacques Rousseau- Swiss Civilization will corrupt peoples natural goodness Believed direct democracy is best way to govern. “Social Contract” – free individuals should create own government

Mary Wollstonecraft- England Women's Rights Urged women to enter male dominated fields of medicine and politics Argued that women should be educated to become virtues and useful

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria- Italian Believed that laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crime. Against torture For a speedy trial

Enlightenment and the Monarchy Fredrick the Great: His goal was to serve and strengthen the state. Granted religious freedom Catherine the Great: Reformed Russian laws, abolished torture, and accepted religious freedom. Never done Old Idea: State serves monarch New Idea: Monarch existed to serve the state

Overall Encourage reform Gave confidence that human reason could solve problems Secular / non-religious outlook Gave an importance to the individual