Enlightenment and Its Impact (1750-1900)

Introduction

• Focus on revolutions worldwide during 1750-1900.
• Enlightenment provided the ideological framework for these revolutions.

Definition of the Enlightenment

• Intellectual movement applying rationalism and empiricism.
• Rationalism: Reason over emotion/authority for true knowledge.
• Empiricism: Knowledge through senses and rigorous experimentation.
• Developed from earlier Scientific Revolution.

Influence on Religion

• Questioning the role of religion in public life.
• Shift of authority from external (God) to internal (individual).
• Deism: God as a non-intervening creator.
• Atheism: Rejection of religious belief.

Political Ideas from Enlightenment

1. Individualism: Society's basic unit is the individual.
2. Natural Rights: Inalienable rights (e.g., life, liberty, property) as argued by John Locke.
3. Social Contract: Governments formed to protect natural rights; people can overthrow tyrannical governments.

Effects of Enlightenment Ideas

1. Revolutions:
   • Ideological context for American, French, Haitian, and Latin American Revolutions.
   • Spurred nationalism: commonality based on language, religion, social customs.
2. Expansion of Suffrage:
   • Right to vote expanded to more groups over time (e.g., all white males, black males).
3. Abolition of Slavery:
   • Enlightenment criticism led to movements like Britain's abolition in 1807.
   • Revolts like the Jamaica Revolt influenced decisions.
4. End of Serfdom:
   • Transition to industrial economies reduced need for serf labor.
   • Peasant revolts pressured states to abolish serfdom.
5. Women's Suffrage:
   • Movements for women's equality, e.g., Declaration of the Rights of Woman, Seneca Falls Convention.

Conclusion

• Enlightenment ideas had widespread impact on political, social, and economic structures.
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