The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions Prologue Sec 4

The Enlightenment A time period from 1650 to 1790 when European intellectuals questioned Absolutism and the Kings’ theory of divine right to rule. But then they began questioning everything – religion, laws, rights, government, ancient thinkers, science

I Enlightenment thinkers and Ideas A.Apply reason and science to all aspects of life B.Combined ideas of: 1. Ancient Greece – Natural Laws 2. Christianity/Judaism – Equality of People 3. Renaissance – Worldly Concerns 4. Scientific Revolution – rational thought over traditional Beliefs (Scientific Method)

Thomas Hobbes English writer during the English Civil War English writer during the English Civil War Believed in the Divine rights of Kings. Believed in the Divine rights of Kings. In his book Leviathan, he said people were selfish and need strong government to prevent social chaos” In his book Leviathan, he said people were selfish and need strong government to prevent social chaos” Hobbes’ social contract theory: humans give up bad freedoms (to kill, steal, rape, etc.) in exchange for being part of a society run. They also agree to submit themselves to a strong gov’t which can control everyone’s selfishness. Hobbes’ social contract theory: humans give up bad freedoms (to kill, steal, rape, etc.) in exchange for being part of a society run. They also agree to submit themselves to a strong gov’t which can control everyone’s selfishness.

Social Contract An agreement between people in a society to give up certain rights and freedoms in exchange for peace, security, and comfort. An agreement between people in a society to give up certain rights and freedoms in exchange for peace, security, and comfort. Government is the institution that enforces the social contract. Government is the institution that enforces the social contract. Citizens Must obey laws Pay taxes Vote for government Government Protect citizens’ natural rights. Govern the nation

John Locke English writer after the Glorious Revolution and English Bill of Rights English writer after the Glorious Revolution and English Bill of Rights Wrote Two Treatises on Government that governments were created by the people, to serve and protect them Wrote Two Treatises on Government that governments were created by the people, to serve and protect them Locke believed every man has “Natural rights” to “Life, Liberty, and Property.” Locke believed every man has “Natural rights” to “Life, Liberty, and Property.” The gov’t should protect these rights, and if they don’t, the citizens have the right to change the government. The gov’t should protect these rights, and if they don’t, the citizens have the right to change the government.

Jean Jacques Rousseau  French writer in the 1700s  Believed that all government decisions must be based on the “General Will of the people”.  The government must be aware of what the people want and need

VoltaireImmanuel Kant  A French philosopher 1700s  Believed that most major institutions were flawed (governments, churches, businesses)  He wrote satire (books, essays, and texts that made fun of society as a way of criticizing it)  Prussian philosopher during the 1700s  He argued that people must use their reason and logic to figure things out

II. Beginnings of Democracy in America A. Americans Protest British Policies after French and Indian War. England 1. put tax burden on colonies for cost of war 2. put more soldiers in colonies 3would not let colonists settle west of Appalachian Mountains 4. did not let colonies have representation in Parliament--Taxation w/out representation

B. Americans Win Independence (1775 – 1781)

Enlightenment Ideas shape the Constitution (1789) Enlightenment Ideas shape the Constitution (1789) 1. Representative Govt. 2. Federal system – Central, State and Local Govt branches of govt.

III. The French Revolution A. Causes of Revolution 1. Louis XVI was a weak leader 2. Unfair tax burden on Poor 3. Peasants thought govt. did not care about them

B. Early Reforms of the Revolution 1. Declaration of Rights of Man – Citizens basic rights 2. Reformed Courts 3. Constitution calling for Limited Monarchy

C. Reforms Undone 1. Outside monarchies went to war with France 2. Reign of Terror 3. Eventually becomes a dictatorship to control chaos due to lack of leadership

III. Struggle for Democracy Continues A. United Nations promotes democracy – set worldwide standard for how humans should be treated (1948) B. New Movements toward democracy 1. Former Soviet Union (15 new Nations) 2. South Africa