Chapter 16: The Enlightenment and the Age of Reason Lesson 2: Democratic Ideas Develop

MAIN IDEAS Inspired by the Enlightenment ideas, some European monarchs undertook reforms. Enlightenment ideas helped spark the American and French Revolutions. Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world.

Frederick II of Prussia (1712-1786) Enlightened Monarchs Attempt Reforms EQ: Why did some European monarchs undertake important reforms? Enlightened despots—absolute rulers who used power in enlightened ways - made dramatic changes in Prussia, Austria, and Russia Frederick II of Prussia (1712-1786) Frederick II, reform-minded despot in Prussia, reigned 1740-1786; urged religious tolerance, improved legal system, allowed free press

Enlightened Monarchs Attempt Reforms EQ: Why did some European monarchs undertake important reforms? Joseph II of Austria (1741-1790) Made widespread reforms based on principles of equality, freedom. Abolished serfdom; allowed free press, worship (even for Jews). Outlawed torture, death penalty; reforms did not last past his death Catherine the Great of Russia (1729-1796) Urged scientific farming; opened hospitals, schools (one for girls). Tried to end serfdom.

Democracy in America EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas help spark the American Revolution? American Thinkers Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin studied Enlightenment ideas; believed reason was key to understanding natural, social orders; urged religious freedom, & saw education as way to free the mind Colonial leaders used Enlightenment ideas to oppose British rule

Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776) Democracy in America EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas help spark the American Revolution? Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776) American colonies opposed British taxes on goods. They felt it was unfair to be taxed without representation in Parliament Declaration of Independence from Britain, authored by Thomas Jefferson sparked the American Revolution He used Lockeʼs ideas of natural law, human rights, elected government; he defined limitations of government, reflecting Magna Carta principles

Creating the U.S. Constitution Spread of Democratic Principles EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world? Creating the U.S. Constitution Americans defeated British in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) New government drafted Articles of Confederation; proved to be weak Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787 to improve Articles. The best political thinkers debated how to strengthen federal government U.S. Constitution written in 1787, based on many Enlightenment ideas Bill of Rights added in 1791; based on English Bill of Rights of 1689

Spread of Democratic Principles EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world? French Revolution French rebelled against oppressive King Louis XVI in 1789 Adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which assured rights to liberty, property, security, resisting oppression. Like U.S. Constitution, did not specifically include rights for women

Lesson Summary & So What Enlightened despots in Europe tried to make reforms without giving up power. Americans used Enlightenment ideas to justify their break from Britain. The U.S. government is built on Enlightenment ideas and is a model for other democracies. Why It Matters Now . . . Even today, Enlightenment ideals influence people around the world who are trying to gain and to protect individual rights and freedoms.