New Ideas challenge society Educated people read Diderot’s Encyclopedia and pamphlets Middle ages: accepted divine-right rule and strict class system Age of Reason: ideas seemed unscientific and irrational Enlightenment thinkers: just society ensure social justice and happiness

Censorship Gov’ts and churches sacred duty to defend old order Used censorship against ideas of Enlightenment Restricting access to ideas and information Banned and burned books, imprisoned writers Used salons to discuss new information Informal social gatherings where ideas were exchanged

From Grandeur to Charm Arts evolved to meet changing tastes Louis XIV-baroque style Huge colorful full of excitement Glorified historic battles Lives of saints Louis XV-rococo style Moved away from religion Lighter elegant and charming Encourage imagination

Enlightenment inspires composers Classical music developed Ballets and operas performed at royal courts Famous composers of the time period: Johann Sebastian Bach (Toccata and Fugue in D Minor) George Frideric Handel (Messiah) Franz Joseph Haydn Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Frederick II attempts reform Enlightened despots absolute rulers used power to bring social and political change King of Prussia (1740-1786) Praised Voltaire’s work, invited French intellects to Prussia Reduced use of torture Allowed free press

Catherine the Great Empress of Russia (1762) Exchanged letters with Voltaire and Diderot Abolished torture Established religious tolerance Granted nobles charter of rights Criticized institution of serfdom

Joseph II continues reform Emperor of Austria Continued work of Maria Theresa (mother) Supported religious equality for Protestants and Jews in Catholic empire Ended censorship with free press Sold property of many monasteries Abolished serfdom

Lives of majority change slowly Serfdom still remained despite advances in western society Culture changed slowly Late 1700’s radical ideas about equality and social justice reached peasant villages In 1800’s war and political upheaval transformed peasant life in Europe