Section 1: The Enlightenment (Big Ideas & Key Terms)

The Enlightenment (Age of Reason)

A movement (1600s–1800s) that used reason and logic to question traditional authority and promote individual rights.

Main Influence of the Enlightenment

It inspired revolutions and democratic governments in America, France, and Haiti.

Natural Rights

Rights all humans are born with: Life, Liberty, Property, and Health.

Social Contract

People agree to follow government laws in exchange for protection and order.

Consent of the Governed

Governments get power from the people’s approval; citizens can overthrow abusive rulers.

Rights of Citizens

Legal protections and freedoms given to individuals in a society.

Absolute Monarchy

A system where a king or queen has total power; challenged by Enlightenment ideas.

Limited Monarchy

A monarchy restricted by laws or a constitution (like Britain).

Democracy

Government ruled by the people through elections and representation.

Autocrat

A ruler who holds absolute power, often pretending to support democracy.

Authoritarianism

Government style where leaders restrict freedoms to keep control.

“Revolutions cause revolutions”

Enlightenment

American Revolution (1776–1783)

Colonists used Enlightenment ideas to gain independence from Britain.

French Revolution (1789–1799; 1815)

French citizens overthrew the monarchy inspired by Enlightenment ideals.

Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)

The first successful slave revolt, influenced by Enlightenment and French Revolution.