Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It laid the groundwork for modern democratic ideals and inspired various social and political revolutions, particularly in Latin America, where ideas about liberty, equality, and self-determination fueled independence movements against colonial rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was significantly influenced by earlier thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized natural rights and government by consent, inspiring revolutionary leaders in Latin America.
2. Intellectual salons and publications during the Enlightenment helped spread ideas of democracy, liberty, and justice among the educated classes in colonial Latin America.
3. Leaders of independence movements in Latin America, such as Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, were inspired by Enlightenment principles when advocating for freedom from Spanish colonial rule.
4. The Enlightenment's focus on reason and individual rights challenged the authority of monarchies and the Catholic Church, encouraging a push for secular governance in newly independent nations.
5. The ideas born from the Enlightenment contributed to the development of constitutions in Latin American countries that reflected democratic principles and individual liberties.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the leaders of independence movements in Latin America?
  • Enlightenment ideas provided a philosophical foundation for leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who sought to challenge colonial rule in Latin America. These leaders were inspired by concepts such as natural rights and government by consent, which motivated them to fight for independence from Spanish authority. The emphasis on individual liberties and equality resonated with the population and justified their quest for self-determination.
• In what ways did the Enlightenment challenge traditional authority in Latin America during the period of independence?
  • The Enlightenment challenged traditional authority by promoting reason over superstition and individual rights over collective subjugation. This shift undermined the power of monarchies and the Catholic Church in Latin America, leading many to question the legitimacy of colonial rule. As a result, revolutionary movements emerged that sought to establish new forms of governance based on Enlightenment principles, paving the way for independent nations grounded in democratic ideals.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Enlightenment thought on the political landscape of newly independent Latin American nations.
  • The long-term impact of Enlightenment thought on newly independent Latin American nations was profound as it shaped their political frameworks and cultural identities. The adoption of constitutions emphasizing civil liberties, democratic governance, and the rule of law reflected Enlightenment ideals. Additionally, these principles fostered ongoing debates about equality and social justice in Latin America, influencing future movements for reform and change throughout the region's history.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that it can be used to understand the world and improve human society.

Social Contract: A theory that posits the legitimacy of political authority arises from an implicit contract among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit.

Natural Rights: The rights inherent to all humans, often associated with life, liberty, and property, which Enlightenment thinkers argued should be protected by government.