The Enlightenment
What was the enlightenment? The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Europe during the 18 th century that led to a whole new world view
Scientific Revolution The Enlightenment grew largely out of the new methods and discoveries achieved in the Scientific Revolution.
Enlightenment Principles Religion, tradition, and superstition limited independent thought Accept knowledge based on observation, logic and reason, NOT faith Scientific and academic thought should be secular
The French Salon and the Philosophers Madame de Pompadour Salons: gatherings for aristocrats to discuss new theories and ideas Philosophes: French Enlightenment thinkers who attended the salons
Deism Deists believed in God but rejected organized religion Morality could be achieved by following reason rather than the teachings of the church
Deism (continued) The “great watchmaker” Thomas Paine
Women and the Enlightenment Changing views Role of education Equality
“Enlightened Monarchs” Most of Europe ruled by absolute monarchs Receptive to Enlightenment ideas Instituted new laws and practices Frederick II, Prussia Catherine the Great, Russia Maria Theresa, Austria Joseph II, Holy Roman Empire Gustav III, Sweden Napoleon I, France
Frederick the Great (ruled ) Prussian Ruler Had a strong interest in Enlightenment works Induced Voltaire to come to Prussia Wanted Prussia to be a modern state Reforms
Catherine the Great (ruled ) Russian ruler Well- versed in Enlightenment works “westernizing Russia” Domestic reforms Peasant revolt
Joseph II (ruled ) Ruled as coregent with his mother until 1780 Joseph’s reforms – Religious toleration – Control over the Catholic Church – Abolition of serfdom
Gustav III ( ruled ) Swedish ruler Read French Enlightenment works Reforms Absolutism
Napoleon I French Ruler Military career Rise to power Reforms – Education – Law
The Enlightenment and the American Revolution Influence of Locke, Montesquieu The Declaration of Independence
The U. S. Constitution Separation of powers Checks and Balances
The Enlightenment and the French Revolution The American Revolution The Estates General
The Legacy of the Enlightenment Government Society Education