1. The Enlightenment

2. The Enlightenment was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals during the17th & 18 th Century. Many “philosophes” challenged the accepted leadership of Monarchies and Churches in Europe. Ideas like, democracy, religious tolerance, the scientific method, capitalism are traced back to this period.

3. The Enlightenment

4. Thinkers of the Enlightenment

5. John Locke (1632-1705) England He preached the doctrine that men naturally possess certain Natural Rights, the chief being life, liberty, and property. Rulers, he said, derived their power only from the consent of the people. He thought that government should be like a contract between the rulers and his subjects: The people give up certain of their rights in return for just rule, and the ruler should hold his power only so long as he uses it justly. He believed if rulers did not use their power justly the people should revolt.

6. Montesquieu (1689-1755) France He is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, taken for granted in modern discussions of government and implemented in many constitutions throughout the world.

7. Voltaire (1694-1778) France Emphasized the principles on the Separation of Church and State. Wrote on the importance of freedom of Speech

8. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1788) France Wrote about a “Social Contract” where people work together in the community by giving up some individual rights to help others who will ultimately help them. Helped to inspire the French Revolution in 1789.

9. Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scotland “Father” of modern economics. Described the “Free Market” for buying and selling goods. Believed the free market would establish the correct variety of goods and prices. Taught that when individuals pursue self interests they actually help others.

10. Enlightenment Impact The power of people to reason on their own. Natural Laws could be discovered and help improve society. “Natural Rights” and a “Social Contract” led to the challenge of “Divine Right” to rule. Religious tolerance began to replace the hold that religious leaders had.

11. Enlightenment Impact As a result of the “philosophes” teachings 3 major revolutions were inspired. American Revolution (1775-1783) French Revolution (1789-1799) Latin American Independence (1798- 1825)