Enlightenment period

Definition

The Enlightenment period was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This movement significantly influenced colonial society and culture by promoting ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy, which would later inspire revolutionary movements and the formation of new governments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment period saw the rise of influential thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, who challenged traditional ideas about government and society.
2. Key concepts of the Enlightenment included natural rights, where individuals are entitled to life, liberty, and property, influencing American revolutionary thought.
3. The movement led to increased emphasis on education and literacy, resulting in the establishment of libraries and public schools in colonial societies.
4. Enlightenment ideas inspired various revolutions around the world, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, as colonists sought to apply these principles in their fight against oppression.
5. Women played a crucial role in the Enlightenment by hosting salons where intellectuals gathered to discuss ideas, leading to early discussions on women's rights and equality.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers influence colonial attitudes towards government and authority?
  • Enlightenment thinkers encouraged colonists to question traditional authority and promote ideas of governance based on reason and consent. Philosophers like John Locke argued for natural rights and the idea that governments should protect individual liberties. This shift in thinking led many colonists to seek greater autonomy from British rule, ultimately contributing to revolutionary sentiments that challenged existing power structures.
• Discuss how the Enlightenment period contributed to changes in education within colonial society.
  • The Enlightenment period significantly transformed education in colonial society by emphasizing reason, critical thinking, and empirical evidence. The movement spurred the establishment of institutions such as libraries and public schools, promoting literacy and access to knowledge. As more individuals sought education based on Enlightenment ideals, a more informed populace emerged, leading to greater civic engagement and discussions about rights and governance.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Enlightenment thought on modern democratic principles and practices.
  • The long-term impacts of Enlightenment thought are profound, as its principles laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems worldwide. Ideas of natural rights, individual liberty, and government accountability inspired constitutions that emphasize human rights and justice. The emphasis on reason over tradition also led to secular governance structures that continue to influence contemporary political philosophy. Ultimately, the Enlightenment period's legacy is seen in ongoing movements advocating for democracy, equality, and human rights globally.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge and the basis for understanding the world, often associated with thinkers like René Descartes.

Social Contract:

A theory proposed by philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, suggesting that individuals consent to form governments to protect their rights and maintain social order.

Empiricism: A theory that states knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, influencing the scientific method and the pursuit of knowledge during the Enlightenment.