1. The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment

Overview

• The Enlightenment is a significant intellectual movement in the 18th century characterized by the application of reason and empirical approaches to understanding the natural world and human relationships.

Historical Developments

Key Philosophies

• Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of reason over tradition, questioning established norms in society and the role of religion in public life.

• Notable political ideas emerged, highlighting individual rights, natural rights, and the concept of a social contract.

Revolutions and Rebellions

• The diffusion of Enlightenment thought often preceded revolutions, leading to instances of rebellion against established governments and traditions.

• Nationalism emerged as a powerful force, influencing the formation and development of new states and empires.

Enlightenment Thought

Influence on Revolutions

• Enlightenment ideas fueled resistance against political authorities, as seen in documents like the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.

Major Ideas

• Reason as a tool for understanding and improving society.

• Truth should be derived through empirical observation rather than religious authority.

• Human life and social interactions can be analyzed using scientific methods.

Key Figures of the Enlightenment

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

• Advocated for the use of reason and independent thought, famously stating, "Dare to know!"

John Locke (1632-1704)

• Regarded as the Father of Classical Liberalism.

• Highlighted natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

• Influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence and concepts of republicanism.

Montesquieu (1689-1755)

• Best known for his theory of separation of powers influencing modern governance structures.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

• Authored "The Social Contract," proposing that the general will should govern society for the common good.

Adam Smith (1723-1790)

• Promoted laissez-faire economics in "The Wealth of Nations," advocating for minimal government interference in the economy.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

• An early advocate of women's rights, argued for men's and women's equal education in "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman."

Suffrage Movements

Key Developments in Great Britain

• Reform Act (1832): Expanded voting rights to property-owning men.

• Representation of the People Act (1918): Granted voting rights to all men over 21 and women over 30 with property restrictions.

• Representation of the People Act (1928): Established universal suffrage for all citizens over 21.

Key Developments in the United States

• 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibited voting discrimination based on race.

• 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.

Abolition of Slavery

• Slavery was abolished in various countries at different times:

  • Portugal: 1761 (on mainland, not in colonies).

  • United States: 1865 with the 13th Amendment.

  • Great Britain: 1833.

  • Brazil: Last to abolish in 1888.

Russian Serfdom

• Most Russians were serfs tied to the nobility's lands, treated as property.

• Emperor Alexander II abolished serfdom in 1861, freeing 23 million people.

Women and the Enlightenment

• Women's roles and nature were debated in Enlightenment circles.

• Women, particularly in salons, facilitated discussions but were often marginalized.

Overall Effects of the Enlightenment

1. Rise of Democracies

2. End of Serfdom

3. Emergence of Feminist Movements

4. Emancipation of Slaves

5. Stimulus for Atlantic Revolutions

• The Enlightenment was pivotal in reshaping societal structures, offering crucial ideologies that drove political and social change.