The EnlightenmentCh. 10

The Scientific Revolution10.1

Causes of Scientific Revolution1. Renaissance

New language skills allowed people to learn from new ideas

2. New technology and mathematics New scientific instruments allowed for

advancements and new discoveries New advances in math – algebra, geometry,

trigonometry

New theories developed and became foundation of Scientific Revolution

The Enlightenment10.2

What is the Enlightenment? 18th century intellectual movement Wanted to reform society to make a better life Inspired by the Scientific Revolution

Used reason to explain the world around them Wanted to change:

Government Religion Equality Women’s rights

Philosophes1. John Locke People were born with

a “tabula rasa”, or blank slate Product of our

environment Government shapes

us

2. Isaac Newton Believed that the physical

world was a giant machine and operated according to natural laws

Enlightenment thinkers reasoned that natural laws could also govern human society

3. Montesquieu Identified 3 types of

governments Republics Despotism monarchies

Believed governments should have separation of powers and checks and balances

4. Voltaire Supported deism

Based on reason and natural law

Believed in religious freedoms

5. Deiderot Wrote the

Encyclopedia Spread

Enlightenment ideas

6. Adam Smith Believed that people

should be able to determine their own wealth

“Laissez-faire” = leave it be

7. Jean-Jacques Rousseau Believed in a social

contract between the people and their government

People have the right to choose their own government

8. Mary Wollstonecraft Wanted equality for women in

education as well as economic and political life

Impact of the Enlightenment10.3

Enlightenment and Absolutism Enlightenment influenced politics in

Europe Believed in Natural rights for all people Government must protect these rights Enlightened Absolutism emerged

Most monarchs did not want to give up their power

Enlightenment and the Arts

Buildings were built on a grand scale

Art was focused on happiness and love

Music Bach, Handel, Mozart Literature was

focused on reality, heroes, and supernaturals

The American Revolution10.4

Beginning of the Revolution British was broke from the Seven Years’

War and wanted to tax the colonies Stamp Act (1765) passed – tax on

printed materials Colonists opposed this Repealed in 1766

Revolution Begins First Continental Congress formed in

response to British actions in 1774 1775 – fighting broke out July 4, 1776 – Second Continental

Congress approved the Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson Official beginning of the American

Revolution

American Independence Ended in 1781 –

Americans won with help of French, Dutch, and Spanish

1783 – Treaty of Paris signed Recognized American

independence Granted colonies

territory from Appalachians to Mississippi River

New Governments Articles of Confederation (1781)

Weak central government

Power in hands of states

Feared government would become too strong

DID NOT WORK – no unity

Constitution (1787)

Inspired by Enlightenment ideas

Created a federal system of government

3 branches Checks and balances Bill of Rights

1st ten amendments Protected personal

freedoms