The Enlightenment Spreads Chapter 6 Section 3

Main Ideas Enlightenment ideas spread through the Western world and profoundly influenced the arts and government. An “enlightened” problem-solving approach to government and society prevails in modern civilization today.

Introduction Philosophe’s views often got them into trouble. In France, it was illegal to criticize the Catholic Church or government. Many were jailed or exiled. Ex. Voltaire Enlightenment spread by books, magazines and word of mouth.

A World of Ideas Paris was the cultural and intellectual capital of Europe. People came to study, philosophize & enjoy the culture of Paris  enlightened ideas. Wealthy women held salons, social gatherings, to discuss ideas.

Diderot’s Encyclopedia Marie Therese Geoffrin – most influential salon hostess Helped finance Diderot’s project. Diderot created a large set of books full of scholars’ essays and articles. Called it an encyclopedia. Began publishing it in 1751.

Ideas Circulate Salons and the Encyclopedia  spread Enlightenment ideas. Also, spread through newspapers, pamphlets & even political songs. Middle class  literate Attracted to ideas about government & equality.

New Artistic Styles Ideals of order and reason are reflected in the arts. Music, literature, painting & architecture

Neoclassical Style Emerges Baroque art dominated Europe in 1600s and early 1700s. Grand, ornate design Neoclassical style developed. New classical Modeled after classical Greece and Rome Simple and elegant

Changes in Music and Literature Classical music emerged. Franz Joseph Haydn Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Ludwig van Beethoven Europeans began writing novels. Plots, suspense and explored characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Enlightenment and Monarchy Many philosophes believed that the best form of government was a monarchy in which the ruler respected the people’s rights. Tried to convince monarchs to rule justly. Some embraced new ideas and made reforms. Became known as enlightened despots.

Enlightened Despots Supported philosophes’ ideas. Had no intention of giving up power. Changes they made were motivated by two desires: What would make their country stronger What would make their rule more effective Examples: Frederick the Great of Prussia, HRE Joseph II of Austria & Catherine the Great of Russia

Frederick the Great King of Prussia – 1740-1786 Granted religious freedoms Reduced censorship Improved education Reformed the justice system & abolished torture “the first servant of the state”

Joseph II Ruled Austria from 1780-1790 Introduced legal reforms Freedom of the press Freedom of worship Abolished serfdom When he died, most of his reforms were undone.

Catherine the Great Ruled Russia from 1762-1796. Ruled with absolute authority but wanted to reform Russia. Reformed Russian law based on ideas of Montesquieu and Beccaria

Reforming Russia Catherine recommended: Religious toleration Abolishing torture and capital punishment Her commission did not accomplish these goals. Eventually, passed limited reforms. Did nothing to help peasants. Serfs rose up against her. Army crushed them. Turned power of serfs over to nobles.

Think-Pair-Share 1st – Think to yourself about the following the questions: Do you support capital punishment? Why/why not? 2nd – Pair up with the person beside you and discuss your stance on the issue. 3rd – Share with the class.

Remember Peter the Great? What did he need to gain access to Europe?

Catherine Expands Russia Catherine wanted to access the Black Sea. Defeated the Ottomans and gained control of northern shore.

Expanding into Poland Conquered Poland with the help of Prussia and Austria. Poland would not gain independence back until WWI.