1. The Enlightenment Spreads
Chapter 6
Section 3

2. Main Ideas
Enlightenment ideas spread through the Western world and profoundly influenced the arts and government.
An “enlightened” problem-solving approach to government and society prevails in modern civilization today.

3. Introduction Philosophe’s views often got them into trouble.
In France, it was illegal to criticize the Catholic Church or government.
Many were jailed or exiled. Ex. Voltaire
Enlightenment spread by books, magazines and word of mouth.

4. A World of Ideas
Paris was the cultural and intellectual capital of Europe.
People came to study, philosophize & enjoy the culture of Paris  enlightened ideas.
Wealthy women held salons, social gatherings, to discuss ideas.

5. Diderot’s Encyclopedia
Marie Therese Geoffrin – most influential salon hostess
Helped finance Diderot’s project.
Diderot created a large set of books full of scholars’ essays and articles.
Called it an encyclopedia.
Began publishing it in 1751.

6. Ideas Circulate
Salons and the Encyclopedia  spread Enlightenment ideas.
Also, spread through newspapers, pamphlets & even political songs.
Middle class  literate
Attracted to ideas about government & equality.

7. New Artistic Styles
Ideals of order and reason are reflected in the arts.
Music, literature, painting & architecture

8. Neoclassical Style Emerges
Baroque art dominated Europe in 1600s and early 1700s.
Grand, ornate design
Neoclassical style developed.
New classical
Modeled after classical Greece and Rome
Simple and elegant

9. Changes in Music and Literature
Classical music emerged.
Franz Joseph Haydn
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ludwig van Beethoven
Europeans began writing novels.
Plots, suspense and explored characters’ thoughts and feelings.

10. Enlightenment and Monarchy
Many philosophes believed that the best form of government was a monarchy in which the ruler respected the people’s rights.
Tried to convince monarchs to rule justly.
Some embraced new ideas and made reforms.
Became known as enlightened despots.

11. Enlightened Despots Supported philosophes’ ideas.
Had no intention of giving up power.
Changes they made were motivated by two desires:
What would make their country stronger
What would make their rule more effective
Examples: Frederick the Great of Prussia, HRE Joseph II of Austria & Catherine the Great of Russia

12. Frederick the Great King of Prussia – 1740-1786
Granted religious freedoms
Reduced censorship
Improved education
Reformed the justice system & abolished torture
“the first servant of the state”

13. Joseph II Ruled Austria from 1780-1790 Introduced legal reforms
Freedom of the press
Freedom of worship
Abolished serfdom
When he died, most of his reforms were undone.

14. Catherine the Great Ruled Russia from 1762-1796.
Ruled with absolute authority but wanted to reform Russia.
Reformed Russian law based on ideas of Montesquieu and Beccaria

15. Reforming Russia Catherine recommended: Religious toleration
Abolishing torture and capital punishment
Her commission did not accomplish these goals.
Eventually, passed limited reforms.
Did nothing to help peasants.
Serfs rose up against her.
Army crushed them.
Turned power of serfs over to nobles.

16. Think-Pair-Share
1st – Think to yourself about the following the questions:
Do you support capital punishment? Why/why not?
2nd – Pair up with the person beside you and discuss your stance on the issue.
3rd – Share with the class.

17. Remember Peter the Great?
What did he need to gain access to Europe?

18. Catherine Expands Russia
Catherine wanted to access the Black Sea.
Defeated the Ottomans and gained control of northern shore.

19. Expanding into Poland
Conquered Poland with the help of Prussia and Austria.
Poland would not gain independence back until WWI.