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Discover the Age of Enlightenment, a period of intellectual exchange in 18th-century Europe marked by progress, political change, and philosophes like Voltaire, Locke, Diderot, Montesquieu, Spinoza, Rousseau, and Adam Smith. Learn about their ideas, works, and influence on society, including key concepts like reason, tolerance, and individual rights. Explore how the American Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment principles and thinkers, such as John Locke's Treatises on Government. Uncover the legacy of this transformative era and the quest for social and political transformation.
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The Age of Enlightenment 1700-1789
The Age of Enlightenment • A period of intellectual exchange in Europe during the 18th century • “Progress” • A desire for political and social change
The Age of Enlightenment • What made the Enlightenment possible?
The Philosophes • Intellectuals who discussed ideas • Used reason to explain their world • Believed that Reason could improve society • Believed in tolerance for all religions
Voltaire (1694-1778) • French intellectual who criticized French society
John Locke (1632-1704) • Treatises on Government • Essay on Human Understanding • “Tabula Rasa”
Denis Diderot (1713-1784) • Published the Encyclopedia in 1772 • Attempt to compile information on everything
Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) • French political philosopher • The Spirit of the Laws
Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) • Jewish philosopher in Amsterdam • Belief in religious toleration
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) • The Social Contract (1762) • The “General Will”
Adam Smith (1723-1790) • First modern economist • The Wealth of Nations (1776) • Laissez-Faire
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) • Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women • Founder of modern feminism
The American Revolution • Was the American Revolution just a revolt against British taxation? • How was it based on Enlightenment principles? • In what ways is the Declaration of Independence based on John Locke’s Treatises on Government?
Conclusion • The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual exchange in Europe during the 18th century • Several factors contributed to the Enlightenment • Philosophes expressed desire for social and political change