1. The Age of Enlightenment Late 1600s to the 1800s
“If there is something you know, communicate it. If there is something you don't know, search for it.”

2. Learning Targets
I can describe at least three characteristics of the Enlightenment
I can list at least 5 enlightenment thinkers
I can match the enlightenment thinkers with core values of our democracy
I can explain at least two long-term effects of the enlightenment

3. Historical Context
Age of Enlightenment took place in the late 1600s to the 1700s throughout Europe and its colonies
It developed with the increase in learning and literacy during the Renaissance
The proliferation (spreading) of knowledge, due to the printing press, was a major factor

4. What was this “Enlightenment”?
Characterized by an increase in intellectualism (deep thinking), which had the affects of…
Reform society through reason and individualism
Challenged tradition, religion, and superstition
Promoted solving social problems using the scientific method –
developed from the scientific revolution associated with the Renaissance
Challenged Absolutism

5. R-A-L-L-Y T-I-M-E
What other historical period that we have studied is similar to the Enlightenment?
Why – try to come up with at least two reasons

6. The Salons
Enlightenment ideas and knowledge, as well as culture, literature, music, etc., were spread through gatherings in Salons
Salons were popular meeting places among the wealthy and were held  "either to please or to educate" 

7. The Salons
Women played an important role as host – affected the role of women
Culminated with the writing of the Encyclopédie
Collections of writings that represented enlightenment thought
Essentially these were the “social media” of the age!
Imagine, people actually conversed face-to-face

8. Figures of the Enlightenment
Several important philosophers and thinkers made significant contributions to the modern world
Many of their writings and ideas still influence our world, specifically modern government

9. Thinkers: Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu
Thomas Hobbes ( )
Believed people were naturally cruel
Need Absolute Monarchy for control
People give up freedom for order (social contract)
John Locke ( )
Believed people had natural rights
Social contract exist to protect rights
Bad government should be replaced
Baron de Montesquieu ( )
Believed governments should have
separation of powers
Three branches of government

11. Thinkers: Voltaire, Rousseau, Smith
Advocated freedom of speech
Open criticism of government
Rousseau ( )
Promoted social contract and people
are naturally good
Majority Rules
Adam Smith ( )
Helped shape modern capitalism
Laissez Faire – government should not
interfere with economy

13. R-A-L-L-Y T-I-M-E Think about our government
What things about our government can you see in these enlightenment thinkers and their ideas

14. Impact of the Enlightenment
People begin to question the role of government
Many reject the idea of absolutism
Some monarchs become “enlightened despots” – monarchs who are more responsive to the people
Allowed religious freedom, political freedoms, etc.
Catherine the Great of Russia
Fredrick the Great of Prussia

15. Impact of the Enlightenment
The writings and ideas of the enlightenment thinkers will be used to challenge monarchy
Revolutions will ensue throughout the 1700s and 1800s based around enlightenment thought
Many of these revolutions will bring about the first republics (people choosing their governments) since Rome