EN - Enlightenment Module Overview.

 

Enlightenment

Introduction

Where the Reformation allowed for the questioning of religion and man's salvation and the Scientific Revolution allowed for the questioning of man's place in nature, the Enlightenment built upon these ideals to lead man to question his place in society. With traditional sources of authority no longer dominating man's world view, a new period emerged in which one attempted to apply reason and logic to understand the fundamental concepts of the day. This rationalization of society also paved the way for the questioning of government - as perhaps Absolutism was not the ideal form of government for the people. Increased literacy rates that began with the Renaissance allowed ideas to easily diffuse throughout Europe which would spur later revolutions. The Enlightenment period reflects a clash between old and new Europe as the Age of Reason ushers in a more modern way of thinking that will impact nations for the centuries that follow.

Image - La Grande Odelisque (detail) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Public Domain

 

Essential Questions

• What is the connection between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment?
• Why was the heart of the Enlightenment in France?
• What were the political theories that surfaced during the Enlightenment?
• What were the consequences of the political theories that developed during the Enlightenment?
• What were the social issues that were addressed during the Enlightenment?
• What was the economic theory of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment?
• How did the class structure of the European countries shift due to the Enlightenment?
• What were the artistic accomplishments of the Enlightenment period?
• What role did the Enlightenment play in the revolutionary actions of the late 18th century?

 

Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form

As you work through this module, be certain to read the Enlightenment chapter in your textbook. As you are reading you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. Please pay close attention to the proposed political changes as well as how society shifts during this time. This is for your notes, not to submit.

Click here to download a copy of the unit review form. Links to an external site.

 

Key Terms and People

There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.

Click here to download a copy of the ID List for this module. Links to an external site.

 

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