The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment• The Enlightenment was a critical

questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals during the17th & 18th Century.

• Many “philosophes” challenged the accepted leadership of Monarchies and Churches in Europe.

• Ideas like, democracy, religious tolerance, the scientific method, capitalism are traced back to this period.

The Enlightenment

Thinkers of the Enlightenment

John Locke (1632-1705) England• He preached the doctrine

that men naturally possess certain Natural Rights, the chief being life, liberty, and property.

• Rulers, he said, derived their power only from the consent of the people.

• He thought that government should be like a contract between the rulers and his subjects: The people give up certain of their rights in return for just rule, and the ruler should hold his power only so long as he uses it justly.

• He believed if rulers did not use their power justly the people should revolt.

Montesquieu (1689-1755) France

• He is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, taken for granted in modern discussions of government and implemented in many constitutions throughout the world.

Voltaire (1694-1778) France

• Emphasized the principles on the Separation of Church and State.

• Wrote on the importance of freedom of Speech

Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1788) France

• Wrote about a “Social Contract” where people work together in the community by giving up some individual rights to help others who will ultimately help them.

• Helped to inspire the French Revolution in 1789.

Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scotland

• “Father” of modern economics.

• Described the “Free Market” for buying and selling goods.

• Believed the free market would establish the correct variety of goods and prices.

• Taught that when individuals pursue self interests they actually help others.

Enlightenment Impact

• The power of people to reason on their own.

• Natural Laws could be discovered and help improve society.

• “Natural Rights” and a “Social Contract” led to the challenge of “Divine Right” to rule.

• Religious tolerance began to replace the hold that religious leaders had.

Enlightenment Impact

• As a result of the “philosophes” teachings 3 major revolutions were inspired.

• American Revolution (1775-1783)

• French Revolution (1789-1799)

• Latin American Independence (1798-1825)