Philosophical ideas and the revolution

What are enlightenment ideas?

everything should be questioned

Focus on reason and rational thought

Read philosphes

what where aims of enlightenment ideas?

apply rational thought to all activities

Not prepared to just accept the Bible

Favoured liberty- speech , press

Wanted equality law

Condemned the Catholic Church

Not opposed to acien regime just questioned the assumption it was based on

Undermined church + divine right of kings

Questioned whole legal system

what was Lockes key idea?

people are born with natural rights

what were Montesquieu’s key ideas?

Criticised royal absolutism and despotism- but though it was aristocracy’s job to limit power

What were Rousseau’s key ideas?

Suggested that a despotic monarch could be overthrown talked of benefits of collective “general will” in the social contract

what were voltaires key ideas ?

Criticised Catholic Church and religious intolerance - but believed religion is morally necessary and supported absolute monarchy

Name the 6 ways enlightenment ideas spread?

1. 1700- there were 3 gov newspapers

2. By 1785 over 80 newspapers, some illegal

3. By 1750 most French towns had theatres

4. Cafes expanded so people went and discussed what they had read there

5. Salons- people would discuss there as well

6. Literacy rates grew 50% of adults could read