1. The Enlightenment
Chapter 22 Section 2 & 3

2. Thomas Hobbes- England
Wrote Leviathan (1651)
Human’s are naturally wicked
“Social Contract” – Ruler needs total power
Believed the best way to govern is by absolute monarchy

3. John Locke - England
Natural Rights – learn from experience, born free and equal
“Life, liberty, and property were basic rights
Believed the best way to govern is Self-Government, consent of the people

4. Voltaire - French
Fought for Tolerance, reason, and freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Used satire against his opponents
Targeted clergy, the aristocracy, and the government

5. Barron de Montesquieu - French
Political Theory
Separation of Powers
Individuals or groups would not gain total control of government
Used idea of check’s and balances – influenced the US constitution

6. Jean Jacques Rousseau- Swiss
Civilization will corrupt peoples natural goodness
Believed direct democracy is best way to govern.
“Social Contract” – free individuals should create own government

7. Mary Wollstonecraft- England
Women's Rights
Urged women to enter male dominated fields of medicine and politics
Argued that women should be educated to become virtues and useful

8. Cesare Bonesana Beccaria- Italian
Believed that laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crime.
Against torture
For a speedy trial

9. Enlightenment and the Monarchy
Fredrick the Great: His goal was to serve and strengthen the state. Granted religious freedom
Catherine the Great: Reformed Russian laws, abolished torture, and accepted religious freedom. Never done
Old Idea: State serves monarch
New Idea: Monarch existed to serve the state

10. Overall Encourage reform
Gave confidence that human reason could solve problems
Secular / non-religious outlook
Gave an importance to the individual