1. The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an 18th century movement that resulted from intellectuals being impressed with the result of the Scientific Revolution
Most leaders of the movement were French
They want to use reason, etc.
Natural laws…..scientific method, etc.
Working to explain what has been learned and take it further

2. It was an emphasis on studying to figure out how to make a better society than the one they had inherited
“philosophes”
They want to understand…
Main leaders were Isaac Newton and John Locke o
Most of the leaders of the Enlightenment were Frnech….they believed the role of society was to change the world

3. An important element that came out of Enlightenment is the emphasis on a social contract between people and the government
Jean Jacques Rousseau

4. Mostly wealthy and middle-class people contributed or participated in the Enlightenment
The poor (peasants) were little aware of the Englightenment nor cared

5. Popular hobby among the middle class
Enlightenment spread with the growth in reading at this time among all classes
Popular hobby among the middle class
(Books)
Magazines
Newspapers
Not just rich like before
Also the development of magazines for the general public
25 were published in 1700
103 were published in 1760
158 were published in 1780
Also started the idea of daily newpapers (first printe din London

6. Elegant drawing rooms called salons were sites of debate and discussion, helping spread Enlightenment ideas
Invited guests to take part in conversations centered around the new ideas of the philosophes
Brought artists and writers together
And women were able to sway political opinion at the time

7. Enlightened Absolutism:
Rulers tried to govern by Enlightenment principles
Rulers who obey the laws and enforce them fairly for all subjects
Rulers who allow freedom of speech, religious toleration, rights to privacy
Rulers who encourage and support art, science, education
Left to right
Frederick William I (Prussia)
Frederick II aka Frederick the Great (Prussia)
Joseph II (Austria)
Catherine the Great (Russia)