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The Enlightenment: reason, science and new ideas
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In the 1600s and 1700s thinkers argued that reason, evidence and experiment could explain the world and improve how people lived.
What was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was a movement of ideas in Europe in the late 1600s and 1700s.
Thinkers believed people should use reason and evidence instead of simply accepting old traditions.
They discussed ideas in coffee houses, letters, books and newspapers.
Thinkers believed people should use reason and evidence instead of simply accepting old traditions.
They discussed ideas in coffee houses, letters, books and newspapers.
Science
The Royal Society was founded in London in 1660 to share scientific experiments.
Isaac Newton published his laws of motion and theory of gravity in 1687.
Edward Jenner developed a smallpox vaccine in 1796, using cowpox. Vaccination later saved millions of lives.
Isaac Newton published his laws of motion and theory of gravity in 1687.
Edward Jenner developed a smallpox vaccine in 1796, using cowpox. Vaccination later saved millions of lives.
Ideas about government and society
John Locke argued that people have natural rights, and that governments rule with the people's consent.
Adam Smith, a Scottish thinker, wrote The Wealth of Nations (1776), about trade and how economies grow.
These ideas influenced the American and French revolutions, and later campaigns against slavery.
Adam Smith, a Scottish thinker, wrote The Wealth of Nations (1776), about trade and how economies grow.
These ideas influenced the American and French revolutions, and later campaigns against slavery.
How did Enlightenment ideas challenge kings?
- The Divine Right of Kings said rulers answered only to God.
- Thinkers like Locke said governments rule with the consent of the people.
- So if a ruler abused power, people could argue they had the right to change the government.
Answer: They said power came from the people, not from God alone, so rulers could be challenged.
The Enlightenment valued reason and evidence. Royal Society (1660), Newton (1687), Jenner's smallpox vaccine (1796). Locke: natural rights and government by consent. Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations (1776).
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