Lesson 4: Benjamin Banneker

The European Scientific Revolution

An intellectual movement beginning in 16th century Europe that established a world-changing trend of using logic and reason, and not religious belief, to discover new truths about the natural world.

The English Enlightenment

A period of intellectual and philosophical growth in England during the 17th and 18th centuries that established a world-changing trend of using logic and reason to justify arguments in favor of individual rights of human beings and the government's role in protecting those rights.

Rights

Permissions and boundaries for human behavior designed by governments based on a moral interpretation of what behavior is best for a society.

Social Contract

A theory that suggests people agree to live under a government's rules and laws in exchange for protection and the benefits of society. Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke discussed this idea during the 17th century.

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher who lived in the 17th century believed that people were naturally selfish and needed strong governments, like monarchies, to maintain order and protect their rights.

John Locke

English philosopher who lived during the 17th century and is known for his ideas on natural rights and the social contract. He believed that people had certain natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and that governments should protect these rights.

Thomas Jefferson

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the American colonies' independence from British rule.

The English Revolution

A significant event in English history from the 1640's until 1689 that ushered in a new era of politics when the King and Queen of England agreed to have their power to rule limited by what another branch of government called Parliament, which consisted of political representatives of a larger body of people in England.

Autocracy

Literally means "rule by one" - A form of government where a single ruler or authority holds absolute power and makes decisions without the consent of the people.

Oligarchy

Literally means "rule by few." - A form of government where a small group of people, often from a wealthy or powerful elite, hold significant political influence and make decisions that benefit their group's interests.

Democracy

Literally means "rule by many." A form of government where the power to make decisions is vested in the hands of the people through elected representatives.

Patriarchy

Literally means "rule by men." A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, economic control, and authority within families and society. It has been prevalent in many cultures throughout history.

Racism

Bigotry and hatred for another group believed to be inferior based on their physical appearance.

Antiracism

The belief in actively opposing and combating racism, discrimination, and racial prejudice.

The American Revolution

A series of events that took place in the late 18th century, leading to the Thirteen American Colonies gaining independence from British rule and the founding of the United States of America. It is often associated with the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Banneker

18th Century American Scientist of African ancestry who famously created the Farmer's Almanac, participated in the engineering layout process of Washington D.C. and wrote one of the first letters of antiracist protest to a major political figure.