Enlightenment A worldview that “human beings could apply a critical, reasoning spirit to every problem they encountered in this world.” (Hunt et al)

Influences on Enlightenment Newton Locke Success of changes in Britain Print Culture Philosophes

Religion Deism Criticism of Christianity Jewish thinkers: Spinoza, Mendelsohn Islam

Society Encyclopedia Reform of criminal law (intent of punishment should be deterrence, not revenge) Economics: Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations; promoted free markets as best system Four-stage theory of human progress (nomads, herders, farmers, commercial society)

Political Thought Montesquieu Lawyer, politician, and member of Bordeaux Academy of Science Advocated for power in government to be shared among branches

Political Thought Rousseau Devalued commerce and industry as goals of society Civilization corrupted human nature Social Contract; only change of society can make a better world for individuals Advocated for a democracy, that individuals should be free

Critics of Empire Kant, Diderot, Herder Criticized the idea of European supremacy Advocated for view of shared humanity Non-European cultures should be understood, not destroyed

Women and Enlightenment Salon tradition in Paris gave contact between women and philosophes Dominant role for men, but expanded roles for women Women’s role in context of family 1792 Vindication of the Rights of Women

Art Rococo Neo-Classicism

Enlightened Despotism Secular in nature Religious tolerance Rational and reformist: reconstruct his state rationally Old customs and privileged classes regarded with impatience

Enlightened Despots Frederick the Great of Prussia Crowned in 1740 Worked alone, and left Prussia unprepared for succession

Less Enlightened Despot Maria Theresa of Austria ( ) War of Austrian Succession proved how flimsy her empire was Focus was to ensure flow of taxes and soldiers Bureaucracy took the place of local government Maria Theresa worked to reduce serfdom

Joseph II of Austria: Model Enlightened Despot Solemn, earnest, humorless man Believed conditions to be bad, wanted to end them-not reform them “The state” meant “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Abolished serfdom

Catherine the Great of Russia German woman who married Russian tsar Hearty and boisterous, and intellectually astute; kept up correspondence with Voltaire and Diderot Made significant reforms in Russia, building its international image, increasing territory, and reforming government to be more effective

Bibliography Hunt, Lynn, et al. The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures, vol. 2. A concise history. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s, Palmer, R.R. and Joel Colton. A History of the Modern World. 6 th edition. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.