What was the Age of Enlightenment?
The Age of Enlightenment, also called the Age of Reason, was a fundamental shift in thinking that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. It had a profound impact on both the American and French Revolutions, and greatly influenced American founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. Much of John Locke's influence on Jefferson's Declaration of Independence is readily obvious.
How did Society Change?
During this time great thinkers and scientists such as John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Voltaire, and others, brought about new ways of thinking; questioning the roles of government, the church and monarchies, and championing individual liberties, acquisition of knowledge, and the human ability to reason. New ideas such as religious freedom and the separation of church and state gained traction. People began to question and reject the feudal privileges of monarchs and the dramatic class differences in societies. Scientists such as Isaac Newton proved that much in the universe could be explained through math, physics, and other sciences. In some cases, such as the American and French Revolutions, monarchies were defeated or overthrown completely during the Age of Enlightenment.
Discussion Questions
- How did Enlightenment ideas change people’s views of government and power?
- Which Enlightenment thinker do you think had the biggest impact on the American Revolution?
- Why did the Enlightenment encourage revolutions in places like America and France?
- How did science and reason play a role in changing society during the Enlightenment?
Glossary
- Age of Enlightenment: A period in history when people started using reason and science to question traditional ideas about government, religion, and society.
- John Locke: An English philosopher who believed in natural rights like life, liberty, and property.
- Separation of Church and State: The idea that government should not control or be controlled by religion.
- Monarchy: A system of government where a king or queen rules.
- Revolution: A big change in government, often involving the removal of leaders or systems.
The Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a time in the 1600s and 1700s in Europe when people started thinking in new ways.
It had a big impact on events like the American and French Revolutions. It also influenced important American leaders like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison.
Jefferson’s writing in the Declaration of Independence was especially inspired by the ideas of philosopher John Locke.
How did society change?
During this time, thinkers like John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Voltaire encouraged people to question traditional power—like kings, the church, and the government.
They promoted ideas like personal freedom, the value of knowledge, and the power of reason.
New beliefs such as religious freedom and keeping religion separate from government became popular.
People started to challenge unfair social systems and class divisions.
Scientists like Isaac Newton showed that many things in the world could be explained with science and math.
In some places, like America and France, people even overthrew their monarchs during this period.
