(Scientific Revolution + Enlightenment) Modern - Euro. Chapter 6 (CP)

What caused Enlightenment scientists and thinkers to start questioning old ideas?

Spreading of new ideas, the printing press, discoveries of new tools. (Printing press and exploration) — (new lands).

What was the geocentric theory, and who supported it?

The earth is at the center, the sun and planets orbited it, the church supported this view.

How did Copernicus’s heliocentric theory challenge the old view of the universe?

He said that the planets orbit the sun not the other way around. (Challenged the church).

Why was Galileo put on trial by the Catholic Church?

Because he challenged the Church, by using math and observation to support heliocentrism. (Church was afraid this would weaken peoples faith).

What is the Scientific Method, and why was it important?

It’s the step - by - step process to study the world: observe, experiment, reason. Encouraged testing ideas before conclusions, instead of relying on authority.

What were the two major results of the Scientific Revolution in medicine and instruments?

There were advances in vaccines, medicine, and disease research. Instruments: microscope + telescope.

What was the Enlightenment, and how was it influenced by the Scientific Revolution?

The Age of Reason, focused on reason, logic, and solving problems. Encouraged people to question old ideas. 

What did Hobbes believe about human nature and government?

People are selfish and wicked. The best government is absolute monarchy. (strong government).

What did Locke believe about natural rights and government?

People are reasonable with natural rights. Government must protect rights.

What were the five core beliefs of the philosophes?

Reason, nature, happiness, progress, and liberty. 

What was Voltaire’s main contribution to Enlightenment thought?

People should have freedom of speech and religion; fought intolerance. (Reason).

What was Montesquieu’s idea about government?

Separation of powers; checks and balances.

What did Rosseau believe about individual freedom and society?

He believed that individuals should have freedom. “Man is born free, but everywhere in chains” Society can control us with rules and laws. (People are naturally good, but society corrupts us. Power should come from the people.)

What reforms did Beccaria argue for in the justice system?

Laws for fairness and justice, not revenge. (Fair trials, not torture, punishment should match the crime.)

What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue about women’s rights?

She argued for women’s education and equality. (Equal education and rights).

How did women help spread Enlightenment ideas through salons?

The salons were social gatherings where thinkers discussed ideas. (where the philosophes shared ideas).

How did books, newspapers, and the Encyclopedia spread Enlightenment ideas?

These sources helped the Enlightenment ideas reach more people.

What is an “enlightened despot”? Give one example.

They were absolute rulers influenced by Enlightenment ideas. Example: Fredrick the Great. (Used some ideas to strengthen their state).

How did Enlightenment ideas influence the Declaration of Independence?

Written by Thomas Jefferson, based on Locke’s ideas of rights. (Locke’s natural rights + overthrowing an unjust government.)

How did Enlightenment ideas influence the U.S. Constitution?

Created a strong central government, shaped by Enlightenment ideas. (elections, separation of powers).

How did Enlightenment thinkers influence the Bill of Rights? Give one example.

First 10 amendments guaranteed freedom. Example: speech, religion, right of the accused. (no unusual + cruel punishment).

What was one way Enlightenment ideas inspired revolutions in America and France?

To create equality and liberty, without absolutist monarchs. (power comes from within the people).