1. The Enlightenment: Voltaire & Montesquieu
What contributions do Voltaire & Montesquieu make to Western Democracy?

2. I. The Philosophes of France
A. 1700s: The Enlightenment spreads to France
B. French social critics known as the Philosophes, questioned absolute rule, believed reason should be used in all aspects of life
C. Core beliefs: Reason, Nature, Happiness, Progress, Liberty
II. Voltaire
A , born in France
B. Voltaire is pen name, real name is Francois
Arouet
C. Believed in freedom of expression & civil liberties
D. Wrote Candide
E. Influences US Bill of Rights – 1st Amendment (freedom rights)

3. III. Baron de Montesquieu
F. Voltaire used satire against his opponents in his writing
G. He would make fun of the church, nobles & French Govt. (King)
H. Saw his pen as a deadly weapon in a “thinkers war”, fighting for reason & freedom of expression
I. Wanted to end intolerance, prejudice & superstition
J. His most famous quote is “I don’t agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it”.
III. Baron de Montesquieu
A , born in France
B. Real name was Charles-Louis de Secondat
C. Believed in separation of powers
D. Wrote: The Spirit of Laws
E. Influences US Constitution Articles I-III (Three Branches), idea of checks & balances

4. F. Montesquieu studied politics and government, concluded power held by one man is dangerous
G. Argues Britain had best form of Govt – they used three branches
H. Argues each branch should have separate powers and the ability to check each other (separation of powers/checks & balances)
I. He wrote that “power should be a check to power”
Question: Give at least four examples of how Voltaire & Montesquieu affect our society.

5. Satire