1. Chapter 3 Bilde inn The Enlightenment
Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–97):
“An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump”, 1768.

2. Historical background 1
A power struggle between King Charles I and Parliament developed into armed conflict
English Civil War ( ) resulted in the execution of the king and a period of republican rule, the Commonwealth ( ) under Oliver Cromwell
After Cromwell’s death the monarchy was restored (the Restoration) in 1660 under Charles II
Oliver Cromwell leading his New Model Army

3. Historical background 2
Fear that Charles II’s successor James II would reintroduce Catholicism led to his replacement by Protestant William of Orange
Development of constitutional monarchy – i.e. most political power lies in Parliament
Economic liberalism leads to growth of capitalism

4. Historical background 3
England and Scotland joined by Act of Union (1707) – Great Britain is born
London becomes hub of a global empire
Voyages of exploration, followed by trade and colonisation

5. The American Colonies
Population of colonies grew rapidly in the 18th century (2.5 million in 1776)
Colonists paid tax to Britain, but had no representation in Parliament.
American Revolution – independence declared in War of Independence ends 1783 with victory for colonists

6. The Age of Reason
Late 17th and early 18th century a period of rapid advancement in science
Built on legacy of Galileo Galilei, René Descartes and Isaac Newton
Emphasis on reason, knowledge and scientific inquiry.
However – the Enlightenment also tolerated the Atlantic slave trade

7. Neo-classicism
Art should mirror the perceived order and proportion of Creation.
Emphasis on restraint, common sense and order
Heyday of essays, letters and satire
Longleat House

8. The Rise of the Novel
Ideal genre for charting social destinies – the individual making his way in the world
Rising middle class provided a devoted readership for the new genre
Early novelists like Defoe and Swift drew heavily on journalism