Unit 5: Revolutions Study Guide
C. 1750 - 1900
Topic 5.1 The Enlightenment
Learning Objective
Explain the intellectual
and ideological context
in
... [Show More] which revolutions
swept the Atlantic world
from 1750 to 1900.
Historical Developments
Enlightenment philosophies
applied new ways of understanding
and empiricist approaches to both
the natural world and human
relationships; they also reexamined
the role that religion played in public
life and emphasized the importance
of reason. Philosophers developed
new political ideas about the
individual, natural rights, and the
social contract.
The rise and diffusion of
Enlightenment thought that
questioned established traditions in
all areas of life often preceded
revolutions and rebellions against
existing governments.
Nationalism also became a major
force shaping the historical
development of states and empires.
1. Explain the ideas of the Enlightenment.
The ideas of Enlightenment spread across Europe that advocated for freedom, free
rights ,and liberty.
2. How were these ideas considered changes from previous
philosophies/mindsets?
They were considered changes because in previous philosophies people were controlled
by the government and did not have common human rights.
3. What factors facilitated the spread of Enlightenment ideals within and
outside of Europe?
New technology like the telegram helped spread Enlightenment ideals, also
Enlightenment spread through newspapers and letters.
4. Explain natural rights.
Natural rights are the rights given by the government and these rights give people the
right to property, the right to have a free thought.
5. Explain the social contract.
Is a contracts between the legitimacy of the authority of the state/government over the
individual
6. Explain nationalism and how it will later play an important role in the political
revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Nationalism is the bringing together to create one nation and supporting that nation over
any one else. Nationalism played an important in political revolutions because countries
created politcal reform to bring together Nationalism and to help better their country. [Show Less]