APWH Unit 5 Part 1

causes of the enlightenment era

renaissance, protestant reformation, new tech (printing press), age of exploration

enlightenment ideas

knowledge could transform society, promoted questioning, education and inquiry, critical of “divine right: government and priviliges of aristocrats and monarchies, new ideas abt government, government should not be able to control natural rights

John Locke

• writings influences Voltaire, Rousseau, american revolution

• in a natural state, all people were equal and indepented and everyone had right to defend “life, health, liberty, or possesions:

• purpose of gov’t: secure & protect God-given inalienable rights

Montesquieu

• french social commentator

• famous for theory of separation of powers

• divided french society into 3 classes: monarchy, aristocracy, & commons

• best form of government - legislative, executive, & judicial