Chapter 17 Revolution and Enlightenment

Section 1: The Scientific Revolution Causes of the Scientific Revolution – New technology such as the telescope, microscope and the printing press – Advances in mathematics (development of algebra, trigonometry & geometry)

Scientific Breakthroughs – Scientists proved the sun was the center of the earth, the planets elliptical orbits and that planets and moons were not orbs of light – Scientists determined that the heart was the beginning point for blood circulation – Women scientists faced obstacles to practice what they learned

Philosophy and Reason – Rene Descartes put forth his idea of rationalism- the belief that REASON is the chief source of knowledge – Francis Bacon developed the scientific method

Section 2: The Enlightenment An 18 th century philosophical movement who used reason to solve all economic, social and political problems of the time period John Locke believed that if people’s environments changed then they could create a new better society

Philosophes- a group of thinkers who applied the methods of science to better understand and improve society Cesare Beccaria- opposed capital punishments Growth of publishing and reading helped spread the Enlightenment John Wesley founded a new religious movement called Methodism

Salons became popular for the wealthy, it brought together writers, artists, philosophers, government officials and the aristocracy

Section 3: The Impact of the Enlightenment Enlighten Absolutism – Prussia Frederick II abolished the use of torture except in treason and murder cases Granted limited freedom of speech and press increased religious toleration But maintained Prussia’s rigid social structure

– Russia Catherine the Great entertained the idea of a new law code until a peasant uprising – Austria Joseph II abolished serfdom, and eliminated the death penalty Equality before the law Religious toleration However his successors undid all his laws

Section 4: The American Revolution Drawing on the theory of natural rights, the Declaration of Independence declared the colonies to be independent of Britain The formation of the U.S. convinced many 18 th century philsophes that a new age and a better world could be created