Enlightenment, Chapter 5

Natural Law

rules of conduct discoverable by reason

Wollstonecraft

English writer and early feminist who denied male supremacy and advocated equal education for women

Adam Smith

Father of Laissez-Faire Capitalism; said no government interference in economy. Instead guided by supply and demand.

Laissez-faire economics

Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.

Censorship of Enlightenment ideas

Government and religious leaders censored (blocked spread of) Enlightenment ideas that threatened their power (like freedom) by banning books, exiling, imprisoning, etc.

Enlightened Despot

One of the 18th century European monarchs who was inspired by Enlightenment ideas to rule justly and respect the rights of subjects

American Colonist Characteristics

Ethnically and religiously diverse, independent, and desired say in government

Navigation Acts

Laws that governed trade between England and its colonies. Colonists were required to ship certain products exclusively to England. These acts made colonists very angry because they were forbidden from trading with other countries.

Battle of Saratoga

American victory over British troops in 1777 that was a turning point in the American Revolution, because it led to French support.

Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

Scientific revolution--scientific method used to study physical word. Afterwards, scientists began using scientific method to study social world (Enlightenment)

Thomas Hobbes

believed that people are born selfish and need a strong central authority (monarchy). Give up all freedom for safety.

Voltaire

(1694-1778) French philosopher. He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government. He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.

Montesquieu

French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (3 branches of government)

Diderot

Published work of many philosphes in his Encyclopedia. He hoped it would help people think more rationally and critically.

John Locke

English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property. Finally, argued that people are good.

novel

Work of fiction developed to hide Enlightenment ideas, so they could escape censorship.

Baroque

An artistic style of the seventeenth century characterized by complex forms, bold ornamentation, and contrasting elements

Rococo

Soft and pithy style of art and music that glorified people. Reflected Enlightenment cultural change.

classical

Elegant style of art that followed Baroque and Rococo. Reflected new Enlightenment ideas and used new instruments created during the Scientific Revolution

Reasons for British Dominance

location allowed for trade (in particular, got rich of triangular trade). Offered more business freedom making it have more money than other nations, Britain won a series of wars in a row and reaped the benefits, united with Scotland and Wales

Stamp Act

1765; law that taxed printed goods, including: playing cards, documents, newspapers, etc.

Colonist Advantages

Far from Britain & knew the land. Britain was busy fighting with other nations. American leadership was better, because Britain sent its best generals to fight established nations at that time.

Federal Republic

government in which power is divided between the national (aka federal) government and the states

Social Contract

A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules (how much freedom to give up for safety)

smuggling

The act of illegally importing or exporting goods. American colonists smuggled to bypass British Navigation laws.

Salon

Informal social gatherings at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas

Thomas Jefferson

Wrote the Declaration of Independence

George III

King of Britain during Revolution. Wanted to control colonies more than his predecessors, causing anger

Washington

America's first president and leader of America's continental army

Popular Sovereignty

Rule by the people

How Enlightenment Spread

spread with pamphlets and by word of mouth. Slow because most people were spread out, couldn't read, or were too busy to care. Also, censored by powerful leaders.

Colonists Complaints and results

Complained British was exerting control without giving the colonists a voice in government. A series of attempts to tax, control trade, and exert military control resulted in events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Revolutionary War.

Locke's influence on America

Locke said that people should have the right to determine how much freedom they trade for safety. It is the government's job to enforce whatever social contract the people decide. If they do not, the people should overthrow the government. In America, the people exert control of social contract through voting. If unsatisfied with leaders, we vote in new leaders (peaceful revolution). If satisfied, we keep the leaders the same.