1. The Enlightenment
EQ: How do new ideas spark change?

2. Academic Vocabulary Natural law Social contract Separation of power
Deism
Absolutism
Bill of Rights
Philosophes

3. What was the Enlightenment?
In 1700s European thinkers believed that reason (rational thought) could be used to make government and society better.
Wanted to illuminate people, and get rid of superstition and ignorance
Political thinkers applied reason to government
Natural law = law that applied to everyone and could be understood by reason.

4. Thomas Hobbes English thinker, wrote about English gov. and society
Leviathan (1651) = absolute monarchy the best form of government.
Humans were “naturally” selfish, violent, and could not be trusted
Therefore, they needed a government who could rule like the leviathan (sea monster) = humans needed kings, strong rulers

5. 1. What sort of government did Hobbes support in Leviathan?

6. John Locke English thinker
Citizens have rights and government has to answer to the people.
The Treatise of Government (1690) all people had natural rights—life, liberty, and right to own property.
Purpose of government is to protect these rights
Social contract = an agreement between rulers and people

7. Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)
A French thinker
The Sprit of the Laws (1748)
Believed in separation of powers
Power divided among branches of government = legislative, executive, judicial
By sepearating these powers , gov. could not become too powerful and threaten people’s rights

8. Activity: Review Questions
2. Explain the event that Thomas Hobbes experienced during his life in England that influenced this ideas. 3. Explain the event that John Locke experienced during his life in England that influenced his ideas. 4. What sort of government did John Locke support? 5. According to Montesquieu how should government be organized?

9. Activity: Primary Source
“Again, there is no liberty, if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive. Were it joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject (people) would be exposed to arbitrary (unpredictable) control; for judges would be then the legislator. Were it jointed to the executive power the judge might behave with violence and oppression.”
Questions:
1. According to Montesquieu, why should judges be independent. Explain using supporting detail.
2. How have Montesquieu’s view influence our US government. Explain in 5-6 sentences.

10. The Philosophes 18th century French thinkers, writers, teachers
Wanted to use reason (logic) to change society
Committed to social reform
Celebrated the scientific revolution
Believed in freedom of speech and individual’s rights to freedom
Spread these ideas in their writing

11. Activity: Voltaire, Diderot & Rousseau
Read Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau
Create a 3 Fold-Chart. Explain who these philosophes were and how they contributed to the Enlightenment.
Voltaire Diderot Rousseau
Profession
Ideas (What did they support or believe in?
Influence the Enlightenment)

12. Enlightenment and Women
1700s women thinkers called for women’s rights
Mary Wollstonecraft
An English writer
Founder of modern women’s right movement
Wrote: Vindication of the rights of Women
All humans have reason—including women so they should have same rights as men
Rights to get en education, work, and participate in political life.

13. Activity: Primary Source
3. Question: What did Wollstonecraft believed would happen if women were allowed to have rights?

14. Louis XIV “Sun King”
The Age of Absolutism
Absolute rulers had a lot of power, but they asked the Philosophes for help to be better rulers.
Catherine “The Great
Maria Theresa
Joseph II, Hapsburg
Peter “The Great”

15. Activity: Organizing Information
Draw a chart to list the rulers of the Enlightenment, their countries, and their accomplishments.
Absolute Ruler
Country
Accomplishments

16. Home Learning After reading “The Enlightenment.”
Answer the following review questions on the back of the packet:
Questions #1-7 (EXCEPT #3)

17. Enlightenment Philosophes
In groups complete a chart of the following philosophes.
Take additional notes on the following video.
Use your TEXTBOOKS (pgs )
Each member of your group will turn in a draft of the thinker they were assigned while working in the group.
Philosophes (Thinkers’ Name)
Ideas
(Write 3 Ideas) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

18. High School Project After you finish the chart with your group
How do you think the ideas of the philosophes will influence (affect) the American Revolution? Write two paragraphs explaining your ideas.
After you finish the chart with your group, CHOOSE the thinker you will be working on for your project.
Begin answering the Questions on your Outline (You will have 30 mintues)