Beginning in the 16th century, Europeans began to develop new understandings and concepts of natural sciences and laws. These discoveries led to what we know today as the scientific method. By the mid-18th century, intellectuals and philosophers begin to apply such reasoning to understanding government and human rights. Soon thereafter, these "enlightenment" ideas sparked democratic revolutions, the effects of which are still felt around the world today. These ideas form the roots of our modern conceptions of human rights and democracy.
Essential Questions
How did the discoveries of the Scientific Revolution change the way Europeans thought about nature and reason?
What were the key Enlightenment principles and how did they change the way people thought about the role of government?
How did Enlightenment principles and ideas impact the French Revolution?
What were the causes and consequences of the French Revolution and why did it fail to establish democracy?
Objectives
Students will be able to...
- Describe and explain the impacts of discoveries in science and logic on European society.
- Explain how the key Enlightenment principles and ideas led to changes in the way people thought about the role of government.
- Analyze and explain the causes of the French Revolution.
- Explain how and why the French Revolution changed from constitutional monarchy to democratic despotism.
Unit 10: Enlightenment and Revolutions
Enduring Understanding
Beginning in the 16th century, Europeans began to develop new understandings and concepts of natural sciences and laws. These discoveries led to what we know today as the scientific method. By the mid-18th century, intellectuals and philosophers begin to apply such reasoning to understanding government and human rights. Soon thereafter, these "enlightenment" ideas sparked democratic revolutions, the effects of which are still felt around the world today. These ideas form the roots of our modern conceptions of human rights and democracy.
Essential Questions
How did the discoveries of the Scientific Revolution change the way Europeans thought about nature and reason?
What were the key Enlightenment principles and how did they change the way people thought about the role of government?
How did Enlightenment principles and ideas impact the French Revolution?
What were the causes and consequences of the French Revolution and why did it fail to establish democracy?
Objectives
Students will be able to...
- Describe and explain the impacts of discoveries in science and logic on European society.
- Explain how the key Enlightenment principles and ideas led to changes in the way people thought about the role of government.
- Analyze and explain the causes of the French Revolution.
- Explain how and why the French Revolution changed from constitutional monarchy to democratic despotism.
History Makers
Nicolas Copernicas
Galileo Galilei
Rene Descartes
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke
Voltaire
Jean Jacques Rousseau
Montesquieu
Louis XVI
Jean Paul Marat
Maximilien Robespierre
Napoleon Bonaparte
Key Vocabulary
Constitution
Coup D'etat
Enlightenment
Estates General
Jacobin
Left Wing/Right Wing
Natural Law
Old Regime
Revolution
Scientific Method
Social Contract
Documents and Sources