history enlightment

 

absolutism/absolute rule

when a monarch has total control, which many people were unhappy with. The significance is this was the traditional government during the 15-1600s before the Enlightenment.

 

absolute ruler/monarch

a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society. The significance is these monarchs ruled until the Enlightenment challenged this.

divine right

the idea that monarchs are gods representatives on earth and are there fire answerable only to god. The significance is that this idea will be challenged by enlightenment 

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. constitution which protects citizens basic rights and freedoms. The significance is William and Mary had this while absolute monarchs did not. 

parliament

a body of representatives that makes laws for a nation. The significance is that parliament is the legislative branch of England. 

constitutional monarchy

a system of governing in which the ruler's power is limited by law. The significance is that this shifted away from absolutism.

habeas corpus

a document requiring that a prisoner be brought before a court or judge so that it can be decided that his or her imprisonment is legal. The significance is that they could not put a person in prison for opposing the ruler. 

enlightenment

 

an 18th century European movement in which thinkers attempted to apply the principles of reason and the scientific method to all aspects of society. The significance is that it brought great change to many aspects of western civilization.    

 

social contract

 the agreement by which people define and limit their individual rights, thus creating an organized society or government. The significance is that Hobbes wanted this because he could impose order or demand obedience. 

religious tolerance

a recognition of people's rights to hold differing religious beliefs. The significance is before the enlightenment the monarchs ruled under god but this changed during the enlightenment and started to accept other religions.  

enlightened despot

one of the 18th century European monarchs who was inspired by enlightenment ideas to rule justly and respect the rights of subject. The significance is they wanted to make their country stronger but they had no intention of giving up their power. 

Thomas hobbes

 Defended tradition said people needed a stronger ruler to maintain order. Came up with the idea of the social contract. He was significant because he inspired other Enlightenment thinkers to challenge his ideas about the absolute monarchy. 

john locke

had a positive view on people and was said people were born with 3 Natural rights: life, liberty and property. He likes the idea of self government. And if the government fails to protect peoples rights they have the right to change or abolish it. He was significant because his theories had a deep influence on modern political thinking. For example, his ideas are used in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

voltaire

would defend freedom or speech and religion. He was significant because his ideas inspired European monarchs to be reduced. 

baron de montesquieu

Said power should be divided into 3 branches to create checks and balances. He was significant because his ideas would later be used in France, the United States, and Latin America. These places would include the separation of powers in their new constitutions. 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Said people should create their own government giving up some rights to it in exchange for protection. Wrote The Social Contract. He was significant because he argued that all people were equal and that the titles of nobility should be abolished. His ideas inspired many leaders during the French Revolution, who overthrew the monarchy in 1789.

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria

Said punishment should fit crime. Advocated for a speedy trial and ageinst  torture and the death penalty. He was significant because he fought for the abolishment of torture and it was eventually outlawed or reduced throughout Europe and the Americas.

 

mary wollstonecraft

Said woman should have access to the same education and jobs as men. Published an essay called A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792. She was significant because she fought for women’s equality and helped women’s rights groups form in Europe and North America.