THE ENLIGHTENMENT & REVOLUTIONS 1750- 1800

By the mid 1500’s scientist began to come up with ideas that challenged the church as well as ancient thinkers. This became known as the Scientific Revolution and was a new way of thinking about the natural world.

Events that helped to bring about the Scientific Revolution: - New discoveries around the world in Africa, Asia, & Americas. - printing press - The Age of Exploration

Nicolaus Copernicus- Came up with a theory that the Earth & planets revolved around the Sun this was called the heliocentric theory.

Johannes Kepler continued to study the ideas of Copernicus Johannes Kepler continued to study the ideas of Copernicus. He too found that the planets move in orbit around the sun & that certain mathematical laws govern planetary motion.

Galileo Galilei- an Italian scientist who designed his own telescope to study the universe in 1609. He made observations about the solar system and confirmed that the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun. He then published his findings.

The new method of thinking that these scientist introduced became known as the scientific method.

Francis Bacon- Believed that scientist should continue to question and experiment to find results. Rene’ Descartes- a mathematician who believed everything should be doubted until proved by reason. “I think therefore I am.”

Isaac Newton- studied mathematics and physics and discovered that all physical objects were affected equally by the same forces. He described the universe as a giant clock and all of its parts worked together perfectly.

- Advancements in human anatomy (1543) - Vaccines to prevent smallpox (1700’s) - discovery of Chemistry by Robert Boyle (1661)

THE ENLIGHTENMENT

During the years 1750- 1800, philosophers start to reevaluate various aspects of society such as government, religion, economics, science, mathematics, & education.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)- He believed that all humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Without government to keep order there would be constant fighting. He said you had to hand over rights to a strong leader in order for protection.

John Locke (1632-1704)- People had the natural ability to govern their own affairs and to look after the welfare of society. He said all people are born with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property. The right to govern comes from the consent of citizens.

Social contract- when citizens and leaders sacrifice certain freedoms and privileges for the common good.

During this period in France a group of philosophers (philosophes) believed that you could apply reason to all aspects of life, they had five concepts: 1- reason 2- nature 3- happiness 4- progress 5- liberty

Voltaire (1694-1778)- French philosopher who openly wrote out against the government, aristocracy, and religion. He fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. “I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)- French writer who said that the best political system was one with a separation of powers. He believed that this was the most important concept for an effective government.

Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)- believed the only good government was a direct democracy. He said that under this type of gov. people would give up some of their freedom in favor of the common good. Believed in consent of governed and all people are equal (titles of nobility should be abolished.)

Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794) an Italian philosophe who focused on the criminal justice system. He believed that anyone convicted of a crime should receive a fair and speedy trial. He also advocated against the use of corporal punishment or torture.

Legacy of the Enlightenment: - Belief in progress - Greater social equality - More secular outlook -Importance of the individual - Government by the people

Enlightenment ideas began to spread across Europe and angered the Catholic Church and French Government.

Art styles changed as a result of the enlightenment, neoclassical emerged. Music and literature also changed, some famous composers during this period were Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Mozart, Franz Haydn.

Many monarchs began to adopt ideas from the enlightenment into their kingdoms such as freedom of the press, religious freedoms, improved education, abolishing torture and capital punishment.

The enlightenment also inspired two of history’s major revolutions.

The American Revolution

American colonists used the enlightenment to justify their independence, because they had not been given the same rights as British citizens.

Inspired by great minds like Locke & Rousseau the Americans drafted a constitution in 1781, known as the Articles of Confederation, which established a gov. where citizens rule through elected representatives.

A new constitution was drafted in 1787 as a result of disagreements over the strength of the national government.

Haitian Revolution- Toussant L’Ouverture & 100,000 enslaved Africans rebelled against their French rulers in 1791. South American Revolutions- Simon Bolivar & followers in Spanish S.A. colonies led a revolution against Spain in 1811.