Key Enlightenment Concepts and Historical Milestones

Rousseau’s Perspective on Enlightenment Government

Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that government should express the general will, or the collective desire, of the people. According to Rousseau, citizens grant the government the authority to create and enforce laws. However, if these laws fail to serve the public interest, the government must relinquish its power.

Principal Characteristics of Democratic Documents

• Magna Carta:
  • Limited the power of the monarchy.
  • Identified property rights.
  • Established the right to a trial by jury.
• The English Bill of Rights:
  • Outlawed cruel and unusual punishment.
  • Guaranteed free speech for members of Parliament.
• The U.S. Declaration of Independence:
  • Declared that individuals possess natural rights that governments must protect.
  • Argued that citizens have the right to replace their government.
• The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen:
  • Stated that the French government derives its power from the people.
  • Strengthened individual rights and equality among citizens.

Civil War and Reform in England

In England, Enlightenment ideas sparked conflict between the monarchy and Parliament. In 1642, this power struggle erupted into a civil war, during which supporters of Parliament forced King Charles I from power.

The Meaning of the Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror was a violent period during the French Revolution in which the government executed thousands of its opponents and other citizens via the guillotine.

Who Was Napoleon Bonaparte?

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French statesman and military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. He led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars and served as Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1814, and again briefly in 1815 during the Hundred Days.

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid growth in the production of machine-made goods.

Great Britain’s Resources During the Industrial Revolution

Great Britain’s industrial success was fueled by essential resources, including labor, raw materials, and capital for investment.

Defining Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system in which individuals own most businesses and resources. In this system, people invest money in businesses with the goal of generating a profit.