1. Unit 6 Movements
Renaissance: rebirth of culture – art, writing, music ( )
Reformation: start of Protestant Christian religions, decline in power of Catholic church (1500s-1600s)
Scientific Revolution: new research in math, science; use of logic (1500s-1600s)
Enlightenment: new philosophies about government, humans & society (1600s-1700s)
“The Age of Reason”

2. The Enlightenment Notes on page 11
What was the Enlightenment?
What was the importance of the Enlightenment?
How did Enlightenment ideas spread?
What are the lasting effects of the Enlightenment?
Learning Goal 5: Explain how Calvin, Locke, Hobbes, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Jefferson and
Blackstone contributed to the new ideas presented during the Enlightenment and describe the impact of these
ideas. (TEKS/SE’s 1E,20C)

3. Causes of these movements
Renaissance discovery
of new classical manuscripts
leads scholars to question
accepted knowledge.
Discoveries of Copernicus
and other scientists
challenge accepted thinking.
Causes of these movements
Exploration broadens
European horizons.
The printing
Press spreads new
Ideas.

4. What was the Enlightenment?
Definition: A revolution of new ideas that deeply changed European views of government and society.
led by philosophers
What inspired the Enlightenment?
The Renaissance triggered a new way of thinking; people turned to reason to answer their questions about the world around them

5. Importance of the Enlightenment
“So, why does it matter?”
Many freedoms and some forms of government in many countries today are a result of Enlightenment thinking.

6. Major Enlightenment Ideas
Natural laws influence society
Not a law! Basic morals all people have
Separation of powers in the government
3 branches in the US – legislative, executive, judicial
Science & reason can improve government & society
All people are born with natural rights
Examples: life, liberty, own property