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

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

3. Voltaire published many works & used satire against his opponents, making fun of the church, nobles & French Govt. (King)
Voltaire saw his pen as a weapon in a “thinkers war”, fighting for reason & freedom of expression & against intolerance & superstition
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”.
Baron de Montesquieu
, born in France
Real name was Charles-Louis de Secondat
Believed in separation of powers
Wrote: The Spirit of Laws
Influences US Constitution Articles I-III (Three Branches), idea of checks & balances

4. Montesquieu studied politics and government, concluded power held by one man is dangerous
Argues Britain had best form of Govt – they used three branches
Argues each branch should have separate powers and the ability to check each other (separation of powers/checks & balances)
He wrote that “power should be a check to power”
Reflection: Which do you feel is more important, freedom rights or separating power? Give at least two examples as evidence