1. Ch 5.2--The Enlightenment
Main Idea
European thinkers developed new ideas about government and society during the Enlightenment.

2. The Age of Reason The Enlightenment
Scientific method and reason led to discoveries about physical world
Wondered if reason could be used to study human nature, society
1600s New generation of philosophers
Viewed reason as best way to understand truth
Concluded reason could be used to solve all human problems

3. Ideas of Enlightenment
The Age of Reason
New ideas debated in coffeehouses, public spaces salons
Writers published ideas in books, magazines, pamphlets
Ideas of Enlightenment
Reached peak in 1700s
Paris, center of intellectual activity
Philosophers, artists, scientists, writers regularly discussed ideas
Peak of Enlightenment

4. New Views on Society
Some Enlightenment philosophers focused on government, others on issues in society
Voltaire (aka Francois-Marie Arouet)
Outspoken philosopher, wrote with biting wit
Attacked injustice among nobility, government, church
Created enemies, imprisoned twice, exiled to England for two years
Defended principles, fought superstition, ignorance
Lifelong struggle for justice, religious toleration, liberty

5. New Views on Society Diderot, Encyclopedia Attacks by French leaders
Diderot’s extensive 35-volume work, to promote knowledge
Explained new ideas about art, science, government, religion
Spread Enlightenment ideas across Europe, North America
Attacks by French leaders
Criticisms of church, government, legal system
Tried to stop publication, 1759
Last volumes completed in secret, but immediate success

6. Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations
Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Enlightenment thinkers still held traditional views about women
Proper roles wives, mothers; should receive limited education
Wollstonecraft demanded equal rights for women
Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations
Scottish economist, used reason to analyze economic systems
Strong believer in laissez-faire economics, no government regulation
laissez-faire- business has little interference from gov’t
Believed economy would be stronger if market forces of supply and demand should control economy

7. Supply Curve
The supply curve has a positive slope, consistent with the law of supply.
© OnlineTexts.com p. 7

8. Demand Curve
The demand curve has a negative slope, consistent with the law of demand.
© OnlineTexts.com p. 8

9. Equilibrium occurs at a price of $3 and a quantity of 30 units.
© OnlineTexts.com p. 9

10. Enlightenment Ideas Spread
A few monarchs became enlightened despots, changing their systems of government and ruling according to Enlightenment ideas.
Ruled by absolute power ( )
influenced by Voltaire
Built powerful military, introduced reforms
Prussia, Frederick II
Elementary education for all children
Abolished torture
Supported most forms of religious tolerance not Jews
Reduced censorship
Reforms
Opposed serfdom, did not abolish
He made the reforms to make own rule more powerful
Limitations

11. Enlightenment Ideas Spread
Russia, Catherine the Great ( )
Dreamed of establishing order, justice, supporting education, culture
Read works of, corresponded with Voltaire, Diderot
Reforms
Drafted Russian constitution, code of laws
Considered too liberal, never put into practice
Limitations
Intended to free serfs, but would lose support of wealthy landowners
Catherine had no intention of giving up power
Became tyrant, imposed serfdom on more Russians than ever before

12. Enlightenment Ideas Spread
Austria, Joseph II ( )
Ambitious reform program
Eliminated torture, death penalty
Provided free food, medicine for poor
Granted religious tolerance to Protestants and Jews
Abolished serfdom, laborers to be paid
Changes resisted by nobility, church

13. Enlightenment Ideas Spread
Challenged Beliefs
Challenged beliefs in absolute monarchies
Questioned relationship between church and state Power and $$$
Debated rules and rights of people in society
Belief in progress spurred many to enact reforms
Believed reason could solve any problem
Did not accept poverty, ignorance, inequality as facts of life
Reforms
Ideas about power, authority inspired reforms and revolutions
American colonists inspired to break free from British monarchy
Colonists strongly influenced by political views of Locke, Rousseau
Revolutions