The Enlightenment Spreads

Chapter 6Section 3

Main Ideas Enlightenment ideas spread

through the Western world and profoundly influenced the arts and government.

An “enlightened” problem-solving approach to government and society prevails in modern civilization today.

Introduction Philosophe’s views often got them

into trouble. In France, it was illegal to criticize

the Catholic Church or government.

Many were jailed or exiled. Ex. Voltaire

Enlightenment spread by books, magazines and word of mouth.

A World of Ideas Paris was the cultural and

intellectual capital of Europe. People came to study,

philosophize & enjoy the culture of Paris enlightened ideas.

Wealthy women held salons, social gatherings, to discuss ideas.

Diderot’s Encyclopedia Marie Therese Geoffrin –

most influential salon hostess

Helped finance Diderot’s project.

Diderot created a large set of books full of scholars’ essays and articles.

Called it an encyclopedia. Began publishing it in 1751.

Ideas Circulate

Salons and the Encyclopedia spread Enlightenment ideas.

Also, spread through newspapers, pamphlets & even political songs.

Middle class literate Attracted to ideas about

government & equality.

New Artistic Styles

Ideals of order and reason are reflected in the arts. Music,

literature, painting & architecture

Neoclassical Style Emerges

Baroque art dominated Europe in 1600s and early 1700s. Grand, ornate design

Neoclassical style developed. New classical Modeled after classical

Greece and Rome Simple and elegant

Changes in Music and Literature Classical music emerged.

Franz Joseph HaydnWolfgang Amadeus MozartLudwig van Beethoven

Europeans began writing novels.Plots, suspense and explored

characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Enlightenment and Monarchy Many philosophes believed that

the best form of government was a monarchy in which the ruler respected the people’s rights.Tried to convince monarchs to rule

justly.Some embraced new ideas and

made reforms.Became known as enlightened

despots.

Enlightened Despots Supported philosophes’

ideas. Had no intention of giving up

power. Changes they made were

motivated by two desires: What would make their

country stronger What would make their rule

more effective Examples: Frederick the

Great of Prussia, HRE Joseph II of Austria & Catherine the Great of Russia

Frederick the Great

King of Prussia – 1740-1786 Granted religious freedoms Reduced censorship Improved education Reformed the justice system &

abolished torture “the first servant of the state”

Joseph II

Ruled Austria from 1780-1790

Introduced legal reforms Freedom of the press Freedom of worship Abolished serfdom When he died, most of his

reforms were undone.

Catherine the Great

Ruled Russia from 1762-1796.

Ruled with absolute authority but wanted to reform Russia.

Reformed Russian law based on ideas of Montesquieu and Beccaria

Reforming Russia Catherine recommended:

Religious toleration Abolishing torture and

capital punishment Her commission did not

accomplish these goals. Eventually, passed limited

reforms. Did nothing to help peasants. Serfs rose up against her.

Army crushed them. Turned power of serfs over to

nobles.

Think-Pair-Share

1st – Think to yourself about the following the questions: Do you support capital punishment? Why/why not?

2nd – Pair up with the person beside you and discuss your stance on the issue.

3rd – Share with the class.

Remember Peter the Great?

What did he need to gain access to Europe?

Catherine Expands Russia

Catherine wanted to access the Black Sea.

Defeated the Ottomans and gained control of northern shore.

Expanding into Poland

Conquered Poland with the help of Prussia and Austria.

Poland would not gain independence back until WWI.