WHAT IS THE ENLIGHTENMENT? 1. The Enlightenment is also known as the Age of Reason. It reached its height in the mid 1700’s, but had its roots in the 1600’s It is a time when people began to use reason and the scientific method to come up with new ideas and better ways of doing things.

POLITICAL THINKERS 1. Thomas Hobbes A.He believed all people were naturally selfish and wicked, and without a government to protect people, there would be chaos. B.Social contract: people would give up rights in exchange for a strong ruler and order.

POLITICAL THINKERS 2. John Locke A.He believed all people were born free and equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

POLITICAL THINKERS 3. Baron de Montesquieu: A.He came up with the idea of the separation of powers. B.He believed government should be split into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

POLITICAL THINKERS 4. Jean-Jacque Rousseau: A.He believed that man was born free and that liberty was everyone’s birthright. B.He said that the only legitimate government was one ruled directly by the people.

POLITICAL THINKERS 5. Cesare Beccaria: A.He believed that laws existed to keep order in society. B.He believed a person accused of a crime should receive a speedy trial. C.He thought any acts of torture and the death penalty should be abolished.

POLITICAL THINKERS 6. Voltaire: A.He believed in religious freedom, political freedom and freedom of speech. B.He spoke out against inequality, injustice, and the slave trade.

VOLTAIRE

THE PHILOSOPHES 1. They were a group of Frenchmen who were known as the leaders of the Enlightenment. The Philosophes had five important concepts that they believed in: A.Reason B.Nature C.Happiness D.Progress E.Liberty

SALONS 1. They were run by wealthy women. 2. Artists, scientists, writers, and other educated people would gather to talk about new ideas. 3. Salons helped spread new ideas to the people.

DISCOVERIES 1. Gravity: This was discovered by Isaac Newton. He also discovered calculus. 2. Oxygen: This was discovered in the 1770’s by two scientists. 3. Electricity: This was discovered by Benjamin Franklin while flying a kite during a thunderstorm.

MUSIC 1. Baroque: Bach and Handel are the two most famous composers. This type of music is known for its drama and complexity. 2. Classical: Mozart and Beethoven are the two most famous composers. Unity, clarity, and balance became important.

ECONOMISTS 1. Physiocrats: A.They were French economic teachers who believed the government should allow free trade. B.They believed that the economy would succeed if the government left it alone. This was called, “laissez-faire.”

ECONOMISTS 2. Adam Smith: A.An economist who came up with the three laws of capitalism: i. The law of self-interest ii. The law of competition iii. The law of supply and demand