Enlightenment
Kimberly Reza
What was the Enlightenment?
•Period of time when new ideas and innovations emerged
How did it begin ?
•1500-1700: European scientists using reason to discover laws of nature
What were the major ideas of the Enlightenment?
•Governments are created to secure an orderly society
•All men are created “free and equal”
Who was Jean Jacques Rousseau?
•government is a contract between the ruler and citizens
•he is considered an opponent of the Enlightenments emphasis on reason
Who was Baron de Montesquieu?
•Criticized absolute monarchy and admired British government
Montesquieu, was a French lawyer, man of letters, and political philosopher who lived during the Age of Enlightenment.
How did the Enlightenment impact Society?
•Attacked divine right theory
•Defended freedom of speech
•Hated unequal distribution of property