The Enlightenment (1700s)

• The Enlightenment was the period in European history when reason (logic) was used to understand and improve society. In fact, the Enlightenment is often called “The Age of Reason.”
• Enlightenment philosophers believed that society could be improved by using reason (logic) and natural law
• Enlightenment philosophers believed that governments receive their authority (power) from the people (NOT from God).
• Enlightenment philosophers believed in democracy (a gov’t where the people have a say).
• The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment both encouraged the spread of new ideas and the use of reason.
• John Locke- He believed that all people have natural rights (the right to life, liberty, and property). He also said that people have the right to overthrow governments that fail to protect these rights.
• Baron de Montesquieu- In order to prevent kings from being too strong, he believed that power in government should be divided into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) so that there is a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.
• Voltaire- He believed that everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of religion
• Rousseau- He believed that society is a social contract (an agreement in which all people agree to work for the common good of society).
• Since Enlightenment philosophers believed that people can overthrow unfair governments, the Enlightenment helped cause political revolutions in France, Latin America, and the United States
• Enlightened Despots- These were European kings and queens who believed in Enlightenment ideas and ruled using Enlightenment principles (ideas).