Enlightenment Principles and the Age of Revolution

Core Principles of Enlightenment Thinkers

John Locke believed in natural rights.

The idea that government power comes from the people is called the social contract.

Montesquieu supported the separation of powers to avoid the concentration of power.

A system with elected representatives is called republicanism.

A government ruled by a king with total power is known as an absolute monarchy.

The Enlightenment was a movement that promoted reason, science, and progress.

A revolution represents a major political or social change.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Revolution: A big political or social change.
• Enlightenment: A movement based on reason and science.
• Absolute Monarchy: When a king has total power.
• Social Contract: An agreement between the people and the government.

True or False: Enlightenment and Revolutions

• The Enlightenment supported reason and science: TRUE
• The French Revolution defended social equality: TRUE
• The American Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas: TRUE
• Absolute monarchies shared power with the people: FALSE (Absolute monarchies gave total power to the king and did not share power with the people).

Comparing American and French Revolutions

Similarities and Differences

Similarity: Both were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and fought for rights and freedom.

Difference: The American Revolution fought against British colonial rule, while the French Revolution fought to end absolute monarchy and social inequality.

Quick Comparison

• Influenced by Enlightenment ideas: America and France
• Fought against social inequality: French
• Fought against colonial control: American
• Ended absolute monarchy: French

Causes and Effects of Political Change

One cause of the American Revolution: Taxes without representation by Britain.

One cause of the French Revolution: High taxes and social inequality.

• High taxes in France: CAUSE
• Independence of the American colonies: EFFECT
• Enlightenment ideas spread: CAUSE - EFFECT
• End of absolute monarchy in France: EFFECT

The Global Impact of Revolutions

Can one revolution change the whole world?

Yes, one revolution can change the world because it sets an example. It shows people that unjust governments can be challenged, spreads ideas like liberty and equality, and inspires similar movements in other countries.

What ideas did Enlightenment thinkers promote?

Enlightenment thinkers promoted ideas such as reason, science, natural rights, liberty, equality, and progress.

Which two revolutions were influenced by these ideas?

The American Revolution and the French Revolution were influenced by these ideas.