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Jan 1, 1209
renaissance
The first event leading up to the enlightenment was the reniaissance, meaning rebirth. There was a new discovery of art, lterature, music. This was important to leading up to the enlightenment because authority starts to shift from the church to oneself. -
Jan 1, 1440
The printing press
The printing press was another event that inspired the enlightenment era. This made it possible for people to be able to read the bible for themselves, and to share their ideas in their own language. This helped spread new ideas and educate people easily. -
Jan 1, 1517
Martin Luther: Reformation
When Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis on the door of the church in Germany he changed religion forever. His reformation of the Catholic church inslpired people to question the athority of the church. This paved the way for new ideas in the enlightenment period. -
John Locke
Essay Concerning Toleration was written a few years before the enlightenment time period to contains enlightenment ideas. Locke believed in religious freedom which was a big movemnet in the englightenment era and it even continues today. -
Sugar
Refined sugar is the most important export of France. Sugar was an important to the economy at this time and for many years to come. People fought over sugar and was even more valuable then gold. -
University of Pennsylvania founded.
America wanted to encourage people to further their education and during the enlightenment period education was very important. This was one of the first steps America took to expanding their ideas. -
Encyclodpedia
The first encyclopedia was published in 1751 and the articles covered over topics such as science, arts. and crafts. It was first made in French but then translated to other languages some years later. Diderot and D'Alembert hepled edit the first 17 volumes encyclopedia and were proud of their work. This document helped gather all the knowledge of the world and made it accessable to anyone who could buy it. -
Britain vs. America
Britain prohibits American colonies from issuing their own currency. Britain saw America becoming powerful and wanting to become their own nation. Britain tried to control America, but was eventually unsuccessful. -
America Declares Independence
Thomas Jefferson Writes teh Decloration of Independence to Britain. The founders and people in America wanted to seperate from Britain, so they could have power over themselves. This Revolution was not the first or last in the enlightenment time period. This revolution was important becasue it brought us our form of democracy. -
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith revolutionized the way people thought about the economy. His ideas modernized Europes economy. He talks about the invisible hand which was supply and demand that controled the world's economy. His work was important becasue it gave everyone a better understanding on how to control and reguatle the economy. -
Condorcet
Enlightenment Philosopher Condorcet published a treatise on the rights of women. He said that women have the same natural rights as men. This was the start of the idea that women should be equal to men. Although it took over a hundred years for women to be fully equal it the idea started in the enlightenment. -
Fench Revolution
The beginning of the French Revolution. The lower class reformed France and overthrew the absolute monarchy in three years. There was major political and social change. This was important because it gave citizens power and inspired other revolutions in Europe.
