Enlightenment and the American and French Revolutions

I. Setting the Stage in the 17th century

" The 30 Years War - the last religious war

" The rise of absolute monarchs

" Emphasis on economic expansion

" Increased interest in overseas exploration

II. Path to Enlightenment (late 1600s thru early 1800s)

" Wars for territory - the need for resources

" Increased taxes

" Increased contact with other people in foreign places

" Shared experiences and ideas

III. Enlightenment and Society

" Wealth without status

" Questions without answers

" Philosophes - Locke, Hobbs, Montesquieu, Rousseau

" Coffeehouses, pubs, and salons - middling class hangouts

" What does it mean to be enlightened?

o Reason - not emotion

o Logic - not superstition

o Questioning Authority - not blind acceptance

o Scientific Method - proof, not blind faith

o Equality - not enslavement

o Progress - not status quo

o Classic (think Greece/Rome) - not folk tales

IV. Consequences of Enlightenment

A. American Revolution

o Revolution was NOT a foregone conclusion!

o Declaration of Independence

B. French Revolution

o Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

o Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen

C. Why did one succeed and not the other?