1. When is revolution justified? …. Today?
Understand that:
The collision of social unrest and new political ideas can lead to revolution.
In times of crisis, people will turn to strong leaders to gain a sense of stability.
from Absolutism to…Enlightenment to…
Warm – up - Define absolutism – where did these monarchs claim they got their power? How did absolute monarchs treat their subjects? Define the enlightenment. How did the enlightenment partially result from absolutism?
Use your homework notes:
How did the enlightenment affect these following Monarchs:
Frederick the Great
Joseph II
Catherine the Great
How did the Enlightenment cause changes between the rulers in Europe and their subjects?
How does the American Revolution illustrate understanding #1?
Get your computer – open textbook Chapter 6
RTN p21-26: The American Revolution
Revolution!!
When is revolution justified? …. Today?

2. Enlightened Despots Religious freedom
Reformed and more professional judiciary
Allowed more press freedom
Improved education
Abolished torture
However…
Kept serfdom
Frederick the Great of Prussia –
Reign – : longest of any Hohenzollern

3. Enlightened Despots Religious freedom even for non-Christians
Allowed more press freedom
Improved rule of law
Abolished serfdom
Joseph II of Austria –
Reign as HRE

4. Enlightened Despots Catherine the Great of Russia – 1729-1796
Corresponded with Voltaire, Montesquieu and Beccaria
Spoke of enlightened ideas: some were implemented:
education for girls,
some judicial reform
Some religious tolerance
Middle estate to balance increased power of nobles
However…
Kept serfdom
Catherine the Great of Russia –
Reign –

5. Impact of the Enlightenment
People have confidence that human reason can solve social problems
The individual becomes important as people use their own ability to reason and judge
Absolutism is generally questioned as being the antithesis of enlightenment.
Sets the stage for popular revolutions in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Some monarchs make reforms
Other Monarchs resist change to their power
BUT…the common people, generally uneducated and distrusted by the philosophes, are not very enlightened. Therefore the enlightenment is really a middle class movement

6. Enlightenment leads to the American revolution
How does the American Revolution illustrate understanding #1?
The collision of social unrest and new political ideas can lead to revolution
Get your computer – open textbook Chapter 6 - RTN p21-26:
List three examples of how Britain was absolutist in its treatment of the American colonies.
What enlightenment idea is demonstrated by the colonists' complaint about "taxation without representation"?
What ideas from the enlightenment form the basis of the Declaration of Independence? Explain how the enlightenment ideas are illustrated in the Declaration of Independence.
Why were the Americans able to defeat Britain in the American Revolution?
How are the enlightenment ideas illustrated in the US Constitution?
When are popular Revolutions against a government justified?
Enlightenment leads to the American revolution

7. ThThe American Revolution, 1776-1781 e Enlightenment and Revolutions
- Claiming abuses by the British Government and a general failure to safeguard the natural rights of the citizens, the American Colonies declare their independence from England. - Thomas Jefferson authors the Declaration of Independence, drawing heavily on the writings of John Locke and the ideals of the Social Contract as theorized by Rousseau and Hobbes: * Government must be created by the People * The people must consent to be governed * The primary job of the Government is to protect the people’s natural rights- Life, Liberty, and “The Pursuit of Happiness” * When a Government fails to protect these rights, then the people have the right to change their government, to overthrow it.

8. The Enlightenment and Revolutions
John Locke Thomas Jefferson

9. The Enlightenment and Revolutions
John Locke Thomas Jefferson
“Darn, I looked better in the last picture”, J. Locke
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10. The Enlightenment and Revolutions
Following the American Revolution, the Americans again embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment in the writing of their Constitution. James Madison heavily borrowed from the ideals of Montesquieu.
Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances make up the heart of the U.S. Constitution

11. The American Revolution and French Involvement:
America’s war for independence was successful in part due to the assistance of the French government. One of the most influential French military assistants was Lafayette. *In 1777, Lafayette purchased a ship, and with a crew of adventurers set sail for America to fight in the revolution against the British. Lafayette joined the ranks as a major general and was assigned to the staff of George Washington. He served with distinction, leading America forces to several victories. On a return visit to France in 1779 Lafayette persuaded the French government to send aid to the Americans, specifically the commitment of the French Navy, and monetary support.

12. Connections between the American Revolution and the French Revolution – video part II enlightenment
French Citizens and Military directly participate in the American War for Independence,
the ideals upon which it was based,
eventual success
inspired French Citizens to revolt against King Louis XVI
Another impact of the American Revolution
“ginormous” Debt incurred by the French Government in assisting the Americans, pushed France into Financial Crisis.