Chapter 18 “Toward a New World View”

1540-1790

AP EUROPEAN HISTORYMR. RICK PURRINGTON

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL

Europe 1700

I. The Scientific Revolution

A. Scientific Thought before 1500

1. based on ancient, medieval ideas

2. lack of questioning or skepticism

- motionless earth at the center of the universe

B. Causes of the Scientific Revolution

1. Medieval universities

2. The Renaissance, The Reformation

3. Medici family patronage in Italy

4. Invention of telescope, microscope

C. Church Resistance to Science

1. 1632 - Galileo publicly defends Copernican theories - The Dialogue on

the Two Chief Systems of the World

2. The Papal Inquisition – Galileo tried for heresy, he recants

II. The Enlightenment “The Age of Reason”

A. Enlightenment Ideas = “liberal thought”

1. Natural Science and Reason can explain many aspects of life

2. Skepticism – nothing can be known beyond all doubt

- question authority

- question “the truth”

- be open minded, creative

3. Morality – what is right and wrong, shouldn’t be determined for you but by you

4. Tabula Rasa – all are born w/blank slate

- knowledge is gained through experience

- therefore, positive change is possible

5. Tolerance - acceptance of religious (especially Christian) and governmental differences

6. Government = People Power

- majority rules

- popular sovereignty “self-government”

- separation of powers

- protection of human rights

7. Free Market Economy - laissez-faire

III. The Enlightenment and Absolutism

A. To most in Eu, Absolutism was a way of life

1. Most Enlightenment Philosophes agreed: Political change can only occur top-down

2. 18th C benevolent absolutism – “enlightened” monarchs

a) most notably in E. Eu -- Pr -- Frederick the Great

Ru -- Catherine the Great

Au -- Joseph II

3. Fr

a) Louis XIV, Louis XV continue their absolutist hold despite the presence

of philosophe nobles

- Voltaire, Rousseau, Montisquieu