Heimler's History: Unit 5 - The Enlightenment (1750-1900)

Introduction

• Focus on massive global changes due to the Industrial Revolution
• Enlightenment as a catalyst for social and political changes crucial for the Industrial Revolution

Enlightenment Definition

• Intellectual movement of the 18th century
• Advocated for the use of reason to reconsider accepted ideas and social institutions
• Blends scientific revolution and Renaissance humanism
• Emphasized human reason and natural laws to guide societal progress

Key Ideas and Contributors

Empiricism

• Introduced by Francis Bacon
• Reality is discerned through the senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch)
• Shift from revelation-based truth (e.g., Bible) to sensory and reason-based truth
• Encouraged scientific experiments to determine truth

Political Philosophy

• John Locke & "Two Treatises on Government"
  • Critique of the divine right of kings
  • Natural rights: life, liberty, property
  • Social contract: people give power to government to protect rights
  • Right to revolt if the government fails
• Influence on revolutions and constitutional governments
• Rise of nationalism: loyalty to nations rather than rulers/cities

Economic Theories

• Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" (1776)
  • Critique of mercantilism
  • Advocated laissez-faire economics (minimal government intervention)
  • Capitalism: individual economic choices benefit society through the market's invisible hand

Impact on Religion

• Rise of Deism
  • God as a non-intervening creator (cosmic watchmaker)
  • Understanding God through natural laws

Resistance: Conservatism

• Strong belief in tradition
• Rejection of Enlightenment changes

Impact on Social Institutions

Women's Rights

• Enlightenment ideals raised questions about women's rights
• Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"
  • Argued for women's education and potential to succeed in male-dominated fields
• Seneca Falls Convention (US): Rally for women's rights and suffrage
  • Declaration of Sentiments: "All men and women are created equal"

Abolition of Slavery and Serfdom

• Abolitionist movements inspired by Enlightenment
• US banned slave trade in 1808; eventual abolition after Civil War
• Russia emancipated 23 million serfs

Conclusion

• Enlightenment's significant impact on social, political, economic, and religious structures
• Encouragement for further exploration and support through community engagement