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