1. Monarchies and the Power of Kings During the Dark ages most of Europe was ruled by 100’s of Kings that claimed their power was given as a “divine right” (will of God). Peasants in this system had little or no Rights

2. Dark Ages The 600 years following the fall of the Roman Empire were known as the Dark ages, because the great civilizations of Greece and Rome had fallen. Very few people could read or write and nobody expected conditions to improve.

3. King John John was not so popular. They named the Toilet after him John led England in a costly unsuccessful war with France. –Kept raising taxes to pay for war –Nobles got pissed and revolted Forced John to sign the Magna Carta –Magna Carta- A contract between the King and Noble, that restricted the kings power. King must govern according to the law. –The MAGNA CARTA is considered the Cornerstone of most current democratic governments today established concept of DUE PROCESS

4. The “Enlightenment” 1650-1800 “Philosophes”- French philosophers who advocate Reason 5 Principles of the Enlightenment: Reason- truth could be discovered through logical thinking Nature- what is natural is good. Happiness- urged people to enjoy life on earth. Progress- Stressed society and human could improve Liberty- called for freedoms and rights they had won Salons

5. John Locke 1632-1704 Man is born with “rights” such as - ”Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of property” Man creates Government to protect his rights Promoted The Social Contract theory “Gov Served the People” If the Gov’t ceases to protect his rights, it is his right and duty to overthrow the Gov’t!

6. Voltaire 1694-1778 Champion of individual rights Had a sharp tongue was very critical of his opponent, made very powerful enemies went to jail 2 times Put in the Jail for his writings which criticized the King and the French system I do not agree with a thing you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” In favor of Freedom of SpeechI do not agree with a thing you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” In favor of Freedom of Speech

7. Montesquieu 1689-1755 Supported the Idea of Separation of Powers known as (Checks & Balances) Judicial....Legislative....Executive Powers Borrowed by the American revolutionaries

8. Rousseau 1712-1778 “Man is born free, yet everywhere he is in chains” All people are born equal thus nobility should be abolished Believed that Liberty and Justice would thrive in a state where the “General Will” of the people was all-powerful.

9. Adam Smith 1723-1790 Writes “Wealth of Nations” (1776) “Laissez Faire” (means leave alone or hands off) Gov’t should stay out of Peoples lives/ 3 Natural Laws : Law of self-interest Law of Competition Law of Supply and Demand

10. Thomas Paine Thomas Paine has a claim to the title “The Father of the American Revolution” Paine Wrote the pro- independence pamphlet “Common Sense” “Common Sense” was popular because it made the complex ideas of the Enlightenment understandable to average readers