the Enlightenment

What was the Enlightenment?

An intellectual movement in the 17th-18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and questioning traditional authority.

What ideas did Enlightenment thinkers challenge?

Absolute monarchy, the divine right of kings, and the Church's control over knowledge.

How did the Scientific Revolution influence the Enlightenment?

It showed that reason and observation could explain the natural world, encouraging people to apply reason to society and government.

What did John Locke believe about government?

Governments exist to protect natural rights (life, liberty, property) and can be overthrown if they fail to do so.

What is the social contract?

An agreement where people give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and order from the government.

How did Montesquieu influence political thought?

He argued for separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

What was Voltaire's main belief?

Freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and criticism of corruption in church and government.

What did Rousseau argue in The Social Contract?

Government should reflect the general will of the people, emphasizing popular sovereignty.

How did Enlightenment ideas spread?

Through salons, books, pamphlets, and increased literacy.

How did Enlightenment ideas affect women?

Some women participated in salons and intellectual life, but political equality was still limited.

How did rulers respond to Enlightenment ideas?

Some practiced Enlightened Absolutism, using reason to strengthen their rule while keeping power.

What is Enlightened Absolutism?

A system where monarchs adopt Enlightenment ideas but do not give up power (e.g., Frederick the Great).

What is nationalism?

A belief that people with shared culture, language, and history should form an independent nation.

How did Enlightenment ideas contribute to revolutions?

They promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and self-government.

What were the main causes of the American Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas, British taxation, and lack of political representation.

What Enlightenment ideas are found in the Declaration of Independence?

Natural rights, consent of the governed, and the right to overthrow unjust governments.

What were the main causes of the French Revolution?

Social inequality, financial crisis, Enlightenment ideas, and resentment of absolute monarchy.

What was the Estates-General?

A representative assembly of France's three social classes.

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

It showed the Third Estate's demand for political representation.

What did the Declaration of the Rights of Man state?

All men are born free and equal with natural rights.

How did the French Revolution become more radical?

Violence increased during the Reign of Terror, led by Robespierre.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period where thousands were executed to eliminate enemies of the revolution.

How did Napoleon rise to power?

Political instability allowed him to seize control and restore order.

How did the Haitian Revolution differ from others?

It was a successful slave revolt that led to independence.

Who was Toussaint Louverture?

A leader of the Haitian Revolution who fought for emancipation.

Why were Latin American revolutions inspired by Enlightenment ideas?

Creole elites wanted independence and political power.

Who were the creoles?

American-born elites of European descent.

Why were many revolutions limited in equality?

Social hierarchies often remained despite political change.