The third Estate,they made up approx. 98% of the population :)
~Aelias
Enlightenment ideas, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and democratic governance, profoundly shaped the founding principles of the United States, particularly evident in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These ideals inspired movements for liberty and equality worldwide, influencing revolutions such as the French Revolution and various independence movements in Latin America and beyond. Furthermore, Enlightenment thought laid the groundwork for modern concepts of human rights, secular governance, and scientific rationalism, continuing to impact global political discourse and social movements today.
Most states were against slavery due to a combination of moral, economic, and political factors. Many northern states embraced abolition as a moral imperative, influenced by Enlightenment ideals of human rights and equality. Additionally, the industrial economy in the North did not rely on slave labor, leading to a preference for free labor. Politically, opposition to slavery was tied to the growing sectional tensions between the North and South, as northern states sought to limit the expansion of slavery into new territories.
It was crucial for colonial leaders to explain their decision to break free from British rule to garner public support and unify the colonies against a common adversary. By articulating their grievances and justifying their quest for independence, they aimed to rally both colonial citizens and potential allies, emphasizing principles like liberty and self-governance. This communication helped to legitimize their actions and provided a moral framework that resonated with Enlightenment ideals, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment to the revolutionary cause.
Slavery was a paradox in the United States because it contradicted the ideals of liberty and equality upon which the country was founded. While the nation proclaimed itself as a land of freedom, it allowed the existence of a brutal institution that denied basic human rights to millions of African Americans. The contradiction between the principles of democracy and the reality of slavery led to a deep tension and eventually contributed to the Civil War and the end of slavery.
Independence as a concept originated in various forms throughout history, but it gained significant prominence during the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in Europe and the Americas. Key events, such as the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789), marked the rise of independence movements where colonies and oppressed populations sought self-determination and freedom from colonial or authoritarian rule. These movements were influenced by Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. As a result, the idea of independence spread globally, inspiring numerous nations to pursue self-governance and sovereignty.
The intellectual and cultural movement known as the philosophes strongly embraced the ideals and principles of the Enlightenment. Philosophes were thinkers and writers who championed reason, science, individual rights, and progress as means to improve society. They played a significant role in spreading Enlightenment ideas throughout Europe in the 18th century.
The French bourgeoisie, or middle class, strongly embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment. They were influenced by the philosophy of thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, which emphasized reason, individual rights, and challenging traditional authority. The Enlightenment ideals played a significant role in fueling the French Revolution of 1789.
The intellectual elite, including philosophers, scientists, and writers, embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment. They promoted reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. These ideals challenged traditional authority and paved the way for progress and social change.
The Enlightenment ideas and principles were primarily accepted by the intellectual elite of Europe, including philosophers, writers, and scientists known as the "philosophes." This group advocated for reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing various movements such as the American and French Revolutions. Additionally, the bourgeoisie, or middle class, embraced Enlightenment ideals, seeking social and political reforms that reflected these values.
The Enlightened Despots were rulers that used the principles of popular enlightenment figures in their everyday ruling. The 3 Enlightened Despots were Joseph II, of Austria, Catherine the Great, of Russia, and Frederick the Great, ruler of Prussia. These 3 rulers made laws to benefit the people of their countries. Some laws passed by these rulers included: The abolishment of serfdom Reduction of censorship Freedom of the press Religious Toleration
Simon Bolivar's thinking was strongly influenced by Enlightenment ideals such as liberty, equality, and democracy, which were also key principles of the American and French Revolutions. Bolivar sought to liberate Latin American countries from colonial rule and establish independent, republican governments based on these Enlightenment principles. He believed in the importance of popular sovereignty and the rights of individuals to govern themselves, reflecting the core tenets of Enlightenment thought that inspired both the American and French revolutions.
The reaction of monarchs to the Enlightenment varied widely; some embraced its ideals while others resisted them fiercely. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for reason, individual rights, and limited government, which posed a challenge to absolute monarchies. Some rulers, like Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia, implemented reforms inspired by Enlightenment principles, seeking to modernize their states. In contrast, many monarchs viewed Enlightenment ideas as threats to their authority and sought to suppress them through censorship and repression.
In "Billy Budd," the enlightenment principles are reflected in themes such as the value of reason, individual rights, and the pursuit of justice. These principles are seen through the characters' struggles with authority, the questioning of moral dilemmas, and the emphasis on fairness and equality. The novella explores the tension between the rational ideals of the Enlightenment and the complexities of human nature and society.
One of the key leaders of the Enlightenment in America was Benjamin Franklin. He was a prominent figure who embraced reason, scientific inquiry, and individual rights, contributing to the intellectual landscape of the time through his writings, experiments, and civic involvement. Franklin's ideas on education, governance, and social progress helped shape the emerging American identity and influenced the founding principles of the United States. Other significant figures included Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who also championed Enlightenment ideals.
The ideals of the Enlightenment included democracy, consent of the governed, and the natural rights of man.
Power divided among branches of government showed American commitment to Enlightenment ideals.
The American Revolution was greatly influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, democracy, and individual rights. The thinkers of the Enlightenment, such as John Locke and Montesquieu, inspired many of the key ideas that shaped the American Revolution and the founding principles of the United States.