Influential Historical Figures & Key Concepts

Key Figures & Concepts in History

Catherine the Great: Russian Monarch

A great monarch of Russia, Catherine the Great exchanged letters with Voltaire and initially sought to reform Russian laws. However, after a serf uprising, she granted nobles absolute power over their serfs. Ultimately, many of her reform goals remained unaccomplished.

Thomas Jefferson: US President & Drafter

The 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson favored a limited central government. He was also the chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence.

Federalists: Supporters of the Constitution

The Federalists were a political faction and movement that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Francis Bacon: Scientific Method Pioneer

Francis Bacon is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the scientific method.

René Descartes: Scientific Method Pioneer

René Descartes also played a crucial role in the development of the scientific method, emphasizing deductive reasoning.

James Madison: Bill of Rights Architect

James Madison is known as the primary author of the Bill of Rights. Initially a Federalist, he later transitioned to become a Democratic-Republican with the formation of the first political parties.

John Locke: Social Contract Philosopher

An influential English philosopher, John Locke advocated the idea of a "social contract." In this concept, government powers are derived from the consent of the governed, and the government serves the people. He also asserted that individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father

Benjamin Franklin was a prominent American polymath who significantly contributed to the drafting of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Thomas Hobbes: Absolute Sovereignty Advocate

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English materialist and political philosopher. He famously advocated for absolute sovereignty as the sole form of government capable of resolving problems stemming from human selfishness.

Cesare Beccaria: Justice Reformer

An Italian philosopher, Cesare Beccaria was a vocal opponent of abuses of justice. He advocated for the abolition of capital punishment and believed that governments should strive for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Beccaria asserted that laws exist to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes.

Joseph II of Austria: Enlightened Reformer

Joseph II, the ruler of Austria, introduced significant reforms including freedom of the press, support for freedom of worship, and the abolition of serfdom. However, many of these progressive changes were unfortunately undone after his death.

Denis Diderot: The Encyclopedia Creator

Denis Diderot embarked on the monumental project of creating The Encyclopedia, which was financed by Marie-Thérèse Geoffrin. This ambitious work angered both the French government and the Catholic Church due to its Enlightenment ideas.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Social Contract Theorist

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a key Enlightenment thinker who developed his own concept of the social contract and was a strong believer in individual freedom.

Adam Smith: Father of Classical Economics

Adam Smith, often referred to as the Father of Classical Economics, authored the seminal work The Wealth of Nations. He was a proponent of economic liberalism and introduced the concept of the "invisible hand" in market dynamics.

Nicolaus Copernicus: Heliocentric System

Nicolaus Copernicus is credited with developing the Heliocentric System, which proposed that the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun.

Frederick II of Prussia: Enlightened Monarch

Frederick II, the King of Prussia, was an enlightened monarch who granted religious freedom, reduced censorship, and improved education. He also abolished the use of torture and clearly stated his goal was to serve and strengthen his country.