New Ideas

1. New Ideas

2. Free Thinkers • Many bourgeoisie met together to discuss new ideas and how to make France better • Hated the Monarchy (King/Queen) • Wanted Democracy • Reduce the power of the Church • Some wanted no religion • This age of new thinking became know as “The Enlightenment”

3. Science • Many felt that science was the future • No need to turn to religion anymore for answers • Any belief had to stand up to reason to be accepted

4. Rousseau • Jean Jacques Rousseau • Society need a “Social Contract” • Everyone in society needed to agree to this • Felt people were naturally good • But that goodness was destroyed by the government and society

5. Montesquieu • Monarchs should have to work with elected governments • But did not want to get rid of the monarchs • His ideas were not well received by monarchs

6. Voltaire • Most famous of the three • Most radical • 100% against the church • Full freedom of thought and speech • Felt the monarchy still had an important role to play • Had to flee several times from France to avoid jail • Most of his books were banned

7. Character Profiles • Continue your character profiles • Adding the 3 thinkers • Should have 7 total now