The Enlightenment and Political Revolutions

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key people, ideas, and effects of the Enlightenment and the English and French Revolutions.

The Enlightenment

The period in European history (1700s) when reason (logic) was used to understand and improve society; also known as "The Age of Reason."

Natural law

Universal rules that are always true, which Enlightenment philosophers believed could be used to improve society.

Enlightenment Source of Authority

The belief that governments receive their authority (power) from the people rather than from God.

John Locke

Enlightenment philosopher who believed people have natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the right to overthrow governments that fail to protect those rights.

Natural rights

The fundamental rights to life, liberty, and property, as defined by John Locke.

Baron de Montesquieu

Philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and a system of checks and balances.

Voltaire

Enlightenment philosopher who believed that everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Rousseau

Philosopher who viewed society as a social contract where all people agree to work for the common good.

Social contract

An agreement in which all people agree to work for the common good of society.

Enlightened Despots

European kings and queens who believed in Enlightenment ideas and ruled using those principles.

Political revolution

An event in which the people of a country overthrow an existing government and create a new government.

English Revolution (Glorious Revolution)

The 1689 event in which the people of England successfully limited the power of their monarchs.

Limited (or constitutional) monarchy

A form of government in which written laws limit or decrease the power of monarchs.

Parliament

The lawmaking body of the English government that represents the people and shares power with the king.

Key English Laws Limiting Monarch Power

A series of laws including the Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, the English Bill of Rights, and Habeas Corpus.

French Revolution

The event (1789-1815) in which the people of France overthrew King Louis XVI and fought for more rights.

Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment connection

Two historical movements that both encouraged the spread of new ideas and the use of reason.