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English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was passed by the English parliament. It prevented the Crown from raising taxes without parliament's permission, and declared the rights and liberties of the people. This led way to England becoming a constitutional monarchy, which was very characteristic of the enlightenment. It also greatly impacted the views of the United States Constitution and the way our country is run today. -
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War of Spanish Succession
Charles II, the king of Spain, died without an heir to the throne. In his will he left the kingdom to a French prince. This united Spain and France. Worried France would become too powerful, the European countries united against them. Then the emperor of Austria died, leaving it in the hands of a Habsburg. With this new threat, the countries were then against Austria. -
Treaty of Utrecht
This treaty ended the War of Spanish Succession on the terms that France and Spain would never be united again. It was signed by France, Britain, Spain, The Dutch Republic, Prussia, Portugal, and Savoy. Pre war conditions were basically restated and Spain and France were never to be united again. This was important because it ended the War of Spanish Succession and restored the balance of power in Europe. -
"Philosophical Letters on the English"
Voltaire was a great admirer of England and their government. Through his "Philosophical Letter on the English", he brought England increasingly before the consciousness of the rest of Europe, and also popularized the new scientific ideas. These ideas consisted of the inductive philosophy of Bacon, the physics of Newton, and the psychology of Locke. He also admired England's religious liberty, political liberty, and freedom of ideas. He spread these enlightened ideas throughout Europe. -
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War of Austrian Succession
Charles VI, emperor of Austria, died, leaving his empire to his daughter, Maria Theresa. Frederick II of Prussia took this opportunity to invade Silesia and succeeded. This showed Austria's vulnerability, and many powers formed an alliance against them. This, however, did not last long due to disorganization and Austria's alliance with Britain. This was important as it was another great war within Europe. -
"Spirit of Laws"
Montesque's "Sprit of Laws" was a treatise on political theory from Montesque's point of view. In it, he developed two principal ideas. One was that forms of government varied according to climate and circumstances. His other great doctrine was the separation and balance of powers within a government. These views were very important in the progress of government and power within governments. It also greatly affected our government today. -
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
This treaty ended the War of Austrian Succession. Its terms included Prussia keeping Silesia, many of the conditions before the war were restored, and the asiento contract was renewed. However, there were other things that were left unsettled, so it was not a basis for lasting peace. The treaty and the war were important because they restored balance again, and ended the status quo ante bellum (the state existing before the war). -
"Origin of Inequality Among Men"
In Rousseau's "Origin of Inequality Among Men, he argued that civilization was the source of much evil and that life in a state of nature would be much better. He introduced the enlightened idea that the best traits of human character were products of nature. This was an important concept during this Enlightenment period as people explored the state of nature and its relation to society and government. -
" Social Contract"
In the "Social Contract", Rousseau held that the state of nature was a brutish condition without law or morality. That human evil was due to the evils of society, and that good people could be produced only by an improved society. He thought of it as an agreement among the people. This was very important, as it introduced organized civil society resting on this social contract within the people themselves. This was the basis of many future government policies. -
Encyclopedie
The Encyclopedie, edited by Diderot, was a great compendium of scientific, technical, and historical knowledge, carrying a strong undertone of criticism of existing society. It was a positive source for social progress, and became very widely known and read. This was very important in the enlightenment and progress of society as it epitomized the skeptical, rational , and scientific spirit of the age. -
"Wealth of Nations"
Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations" was a book to upend the mercantilist system. He believed that people should be able to produce and exchange goods as they please. This would increase international trade and greater prosperity. This introduced the idea that when having the people be in control of this, rather than the government, they would economically better off. -
American Independence
The American break off from England inspired many throughout Europe. the idea spread, that one could do business with a country without exerting political influence or control.It also encouraged nationalism in nations that aspired to be free. Overall, the American Independence was important in establishing that the ideas of the Enlightenment were practicable. -
Estates General
The Estates General was an assembly that King Louis XVI set up to come up with solutions to France's financial crisis. It was made up of three groups, which had representatives: The Clergy, The Nobility, and the Commons. They continued to have conflict until the Third Estate, the Commoners, started the French Revolution. This was important because it led into and paved the way for the French Revolution, which was a big deal. -
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French Revolution
The French Revolution was a revolt due to feudalism and unfair taxation. When aristocracy refused to address it properly, the peasants revolted. There was much bloodshed and brutality throughout with the invention of the guillotine, which killed both King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and many others. The Revolution ended with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and was very important in the shaping of French government and society. -
Storming of Bastille
The Bastille, which represented the French authority at the time, was a state prison that was infamous for holding the King's prisoners. It was stormed on this day for its weapons and ammunition. This was the first violence from the National Constitutional Assembly, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.