The Enlightenment and Historical Movements

Vocabulary terms covering political systems, historical periods, and the intellectual shifts from the 14th through the 18th centuries.

The Enlightenment

The ‘Age of Reason,’ an $18^{th}$-century ($1700s$) intellectual movement where principles of reason and the scientific method were applied to all aspects of society.

Democracy

A government controlled by citizens, directly or through representatives, with free and equal rights for everyone to participate in government.

Republic

A system in which the people of a nation elect representatives to exercise power for them.

Aristocracy

A social class made up of noble/royal families or the highest classes (such as kings and queens); a government where ruling is through a hereditary ruling class of nobility.

Absolutism

A political system in which the power of a ruler is unchecked and considered absolute.

Separation of Powers

The assignment of executive, legislative, and judicial powers to different groups of officials in a government.

Social Contract

The agreement by which people define and limit their individual rights, creating an organized society and government.

Natural Rights

According to English philosopher John Locke, all people are born free and equal with three fundamental rights: life, liberty, and property.

Renaissance

A period of European history, about $1300-1600$, during which renewed interest in classical culture led to changes in art, learning, and views of the world.

Reformation

A $16^{th}$-century movement led by Martin Luther in Europe that rejected the authority of the Pope/Catholic Church and resulted in Protestantism.

American Revolution

America’s fight for independence against British rule from $1775-1781$. It led to the Declaration of Independence and was strongly influenced by Enlightenment philosophers.

Scientific Revolution

A major change in European thought, beginning in the mid-$1500s$, in which advances in science led people to question and change traditionally accepted beliefs.