Enlightenment and Revolutions

EnlightenmentAmerican & French RevolutionsLatin American Independence

MovementsIndustrial Revolution

The Enlightenment

A movement in the 18th century in Western Europe– Stressed the

importance of reason and science in philosophy and the study of human society. “The key, and most significant,

cause of the Enlightenment was the Scientific Revolution”

Natural Rights

Inherent in people Some argue “God given rights” Universal & Inalienable Natural law--discover fair, just, and

natural in political and social realms through reason

Key Thinkers of the Enlightenment

Locke natural rights- life, liberty, property Natural right to rebel against tyranny

Montesquieu three branches of gov’t.

Voltaire freedom of speech

Rousseau will of the people should govern

Effects of the Enlightenment

Inspired revolutions in the American colonies, France and Latin America

French Revolution BackgroundCauses

1. Inequality between the 3 Estates2. Monarchy ineffective (Louis XV and XVI)3.Bad Harvests4.Financial Collapse

Achievements of French Revolution

Declaration of the Rights of Man– “liberty, property,

security, and resistance to oppression are mans natural rights”

– Every man is innocent until proven guilty

Constitution of 1791– created National

Assembly, which had power to make laws

– ensured equality before law for all citizens

Liberty- Freedom for all people, especially from absolute and unjust rule

Equality- Equal treatment for all people, especially before the law

Fraternity- Brotherhood for all people

Nationalism intensified “Proud to be French”

Worldwide influence Latin America

Impact of the French Revolution

19th Century Revolutions

Power of Nationalism Liberalism vs. Conservatism Series of Revolutions 1830, 1848

– “When France sneeze, Europe catches a cold.”

New Constitutions (French Republics)

The Congress of Vienna

The main goal of the conference was to create a balance of power after the French Revolution that would preserve peace in Europe

Restore the monarchies of Europe to powerConservative- preserve

traditional (monarchy) ways

Liberal- promote social change and individual freedom

Latin American Independence Movements

Latin America Independence Leaders- – Simon Bolivar– Jose de San Martin– Bernardo

O’Higgins– Father Hidalgo

Causes– European

domination of Latin America

– Spread of Enlightenment ideas

– American and French revolutions

– Growth of nationalism in Latin America

Latin American Independence Movements

Latin American Social Structure

PeninsularesBorn in Europe

Creoles-Of European descent but born in Americas

Mestizos

Mulattoes

Native Americans

And Africans