 Do Now: Is it possible to be an absolute ruler and truly follow the ideas of the Enlightenment? Explain.

 How do you predict the Enlightenment will change life in Europe? ◦ How will it change the way people think about government? ◦ How will it change the way people think about religion? ◦ How does it change the way we think about what human beings are capable of?

A. Political Effects ◦ People are more likely to challenge and criticize absolute monarchies and the Church. ◦ More debate about the rules and rights of people in society. ◦ Ideas of Locke, Rousseau encourage people to rebel against corrupt, oppressive governments.  Examples?

◦ Ideas of the Enlightenment lead to the American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789)!

B. New Belief in Progress ◦ People now believe they can solve any problem and improve society using reason ◦ People did not accept poverty, ignorance and inequality as facts of life