1. Chapter 16: The Enlightenment and the Age of Reason
Lesson 2: Democratic Ideas Develop

2. MAIN IDEAS
Inspired by the Enlightenment ideas, some European monarchs undertook reforms.
Enlightenment ideas helped spark the American and French Revolutions.
Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world.

3. Frederick II of Prussia (1712-1786)
Enlightened Monarchs Attempt Reforms
EQ: Why did some European monarchs undertake important reforms?
Enlightened despots—absolute rulers who used power in enlightened ways - made dramatic changes in Prussia, Austria, and Russia
Frederick II of Prussia ( )
Frederick II, reform-minded despot in Prussia, reigned ; urged religious tolerance, improved legal system, allowed free press

4. Enlightened Monarchs Attempt Reforms
EQ: Why did some European monarchs undertake important reforms?
Joseph II of Austria ( )
Made widespread reforms based on principles of equality, freedom. Abolished serfdom; allowed free press, worship (even for Jews). Outlawed torture, death penalty; reforms did not last past his death
Catherine the Great of Russia ( )
Urged scientific farming; opened hospitals, schools (one for girls). Tried to end serfdom.

5. Democracy in America
EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas help spark the American Revolution?
American Thinkers
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin studied Enlightenment ideas; believed reason was key to understanding natural, social orders; urged religious freedom, & saw education as way to free the mind
Colonial leaders used Enlightenment ideas to oppose British rule

6. Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776)
Democracy in America
EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas help spark the American Revolution?
Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776)
American colonies opposed British taxes on goods. They felt it was unfair to be taxed without representation in Parliament
Declaration of Independence from Britain, authored by Thomas Jefferson sparked the American Revolution
He used Lockeʼs ideas of natural law, human rights, elected government; he defined limitations of government, reflecting Magna Carta principles

7. Creating the U.S. Constitution
Spread of Democratic Principles
EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world?
Creating the U.S. Constitution
Americans defeated British in the Revolutionary War ( )
New government drafted Articles of Confederation; proved to be weak
Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787 to improve Articles. The best political thinkers debated how to strengthen federal government
U.S. Constitution written in 1787, based on many Enlightenment ideas
Bill of Rights added in 1791; based on English Bill of Rights of 1689

8. Spread of Democratic Principles
EQ: How did Enlightenment ideas continue to influence the United States and the world?
French Revolution
French rebelled against oppressive King Louis XVI in 1789
Adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which assured rights to liberty, property, security, resisting oppression. Like U.S. Constitution, did not specifically include rights for women

9. Lesson Summary & So What
Enlightened despots in Europe tried to make reforms without giving up power.
Americans used Enlightenment ideas to justify their break from Britain.
The U.S. government is built on Enlightenment ideas and is a model for other
democracies.
Why It Matters Now . . .
Even today, Enlightenment ideals influence people around the world who are trying to gain and to protect individual rights and freedoms.