AMSCO 5.1&5.2

Time Period: 17th and 18th centuries
Key Idea: Emphasis on reason over tradition and individualism over community values.
Influential Thinkers: René Descartes, among others.
Impact: Challenged the roles of monarchs and church leaders, leading to revolutions in the United States, France, and globally.

Optimism and Progress:
- Stemming from the Scientific Revolution and Renaissance humanism.
- Belief in applying reason to natural laws for societal progress.
- Natural laws governed social and political spheres, leading to less influence of traditional religion.
Emergence of New Ideas:
- The period known as "the Age of Isms" included socialism, liberalism, and conservatism.
- Nationalism developed as a response to the desire for independent nation-states based on cultural ties.

Francis Bacon (17th Century): Emphasized empirical methods of scientific inquiry, proposing knowledge comes through observed experiences.
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke:
- Hobbes: Believed in a strong central government for order (social contract).
- Locke: Advocated for natural rights and responsibility to revolt against unjust governance; introduced the concept of "tabula rasa" (blank slate).

Philosophes:
- A group of 18th-century thinkers promoting rational thought.
- Notables include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Adam Smith (advocated for free trade), Montesquieu (separation of powers), Voltaire (civil liberties), and Rousseau (General Will).

Adam Smith (The Wealth of Nations, 1776):
- Criticized mercantilism, advocating laissez-faire economics.
- Introduced the idea of the "invisible hand" guiding market decisions.

Deism:
- Belief in a non-interfering divinity that established natural laws.
- Thinkers like Thomas Paine supported Deism and critiqued traditional religions.

Poverty and the Working Class:
- Urbanization led to increased poverty and poor living conditions, prompting calls for reform from various sectors.
Utopian Socialism:
- Ideas from men like Henri de Saint-Simon advocating for societal improvement through ideal communities.

Olympe de Gouges:
- Published "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the (Female) Citizen" in 1791, advocating for women's rights.
Mary Wollstonecraft:
- Wrote "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" arguing for equal education and rights.

Abolitionism:
- Movement to end slavery, which gained momentum in the late 18th century, leading to gradual abolition in many nations.
Decline of Serfdom:
- Transition from agrarian to industrial economy caused decline of serfdom, with notable reforms from leaders like Alexander II in Russia.

Zionism:
- The 19th-century movement for an independent Jewish homeland, gaining momentum through events like the Dreyfus Affair.

Enlightenment Ideas and Nationalism:
- Key influences on revolutions from 1750-1900, resulting in new government forms and significant changes across nations.

Inspiration and Ideals:
- Rooted in Enlightenment philosophy, notably the Declaration of Independence echoing Locke’s principles of rights.

Revolutionary Ideas:
- Influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and economic distress leading to people's demands for liberty and equality.
Declaration of the Rights of Man:
- A foundational document establishing basic human rights during the revolution.

Haitian Revolution led by Toussaint L’Ouverture against slavery and colonial rule, ultimately leading to Haiti’s independence.
Bolivar’s Revolutions:
- Creole-led movements in South America against Spanish rule, inspired by Enlightenment ideals and a drive for independence.

Italian and German Unification: Led by figures such as Count di Cavour and Otto von Bismarck, utilizing realpolitik and wars to unify fragmented regions into nation-states.

A movement by the Ottoman state intending national unity but faced resistance from various ethnic groups within the empire.

Signs of decline in nationalism in favor of larger political entities and cooperation among nations.