1. Unit 2 Chapter 5 Section 2: The Enlightenment
World history

2. Main Idea
European thinkers developed new ideas about government and society during the Enlightenment

3. Question Column How was the Enlightenment influenced by reason?
What new views did philosophers have about government?
What new views did philosophers have about society?
How did Enlightenment ideas spread?

4. The Age of Reason
The Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason, was an exciting time of optimism and possibility in the 1600s, when philosophers began to view reason as the best way to understand truth, and that reason could be used to solve all human problems.
Peaked in Paris, 1700s
Social gatherings with philosophers, artists, scientists, writers were called salons

5. Key Enlightenment Ideas
The ability to reason is what makes humans unique
Reason can be used to solve problems and improve people’s lives
Reason can free people from ignorance, superstition, and unfair government
The natural world is governed by laws that can be discovered through reason
Like the natural world, human behavior is governed by natural laws
Governments should reflect natural laws and encourage education and debate

6. New Views on Government
Thomas Hobbes: English author of Leviathan, 1651, believed in monarchy, “people are naturally nasty,” people should agree to give up some freedoms to a leader, for safety, order, known as social contract
John Locke: English philosopher “people were naturally reasonable,” wrote Two Treatises on Government, believed that government should be overthrown if it fails to protect natural rights
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (roo-SOH): French philosopher, wrote The Social Contract, “Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains,” despised inequality in society, would inspire revolutionaries
Baron de Montesquieu: French philosopher, wrote The Spirit of the Laws, 1748, admired separation of powers in government, first to concieve the system of checks and balances

7. New Views on Society
Voltaire: French philosopher or philosophe with biting wit, attacked injustice in government, nobility, was imprisoned twice for it
Diderot and the Encyclopedia: mid-1700s created to spread Enlightenment ideas
Mary Wollstonecraft: demanded the equal rights for women, especially in education
Adam Smith: Scottish economist believed business activities should take place in a free market, laissez-faire

8. Enlightenment Ideas Spread
Enlightened despots: monarchs that ruled according to Enlightenment ideas
Prussia: Fredrick II, influenced by Voltaire, introduced reforms (education)
Russia: Catherine II, corresponded with Voltaire, Diderot, intended on reform but became a tyrant
Austria: Joseph II, abolished serfdom
Britain’s American colonies: influenced by Locke and Rousseau