Unit 4: The Age of Reason and 18th-Century Change

The Enlightenment

An intellectual and cultural movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and progress over tradition.

Philosophes

A group of Enlightenment intellectuals who believed in improving society through reason.

Rationalism

The idea of moving away from superstition and religious dogma in favor of reason.

Natural Laws

The principles that regulate the universe and human society according to Enlightenment thought.

Progress

The belief in humanity's ability to improve itself and its condition over time.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who viewed humans as naturally cruel and advocated for absolute monarchical power.

John Locke

A philosopher who believed in natural rights and a constitutional government with limited power.

Tabula Rasa

John Locke's concept that humans are born as a blank slate shaped by experience.

Natural Rights

The rights to life, liberty, and property as described by John Locke.

Separation of Powers

Montesquieu's concept that government should be divided into distinct branches to prevent abuse.

Voltaire

An Enlightenment thinker known for advocating for freedom of speech and religious toleration.

Denis Diderot

The philosopher who compiled The Encyclopedia to promote scientific knowledge.

General Will

Rousseau's idea that true freedom is following the collective laws created by the community.

Enlightened Absolutism

A form of monarchy where rulers adopt Enlightenment ideals without giving up absolute power.

Frederick II's Philosophy

He referred to himself as the 'First Servant of the State' and implemented various reforms.

Catherine the Great's Reforms

Efforts to modernize Russia while ultimately tightening control over serfs following the Pugachev Rebellion.

Joseph II's Reforms

Radical changes including the abolition of serfdom and full religious toleration, later rescinded.

Crop Rotation

An agricultural method developed to improve land use and yield, popularized by Charles Townshend.

Enclosure Movement

The process of wealthy landowners fencing off common lands, leading to commercial farming.

Population Explosion

A significant increase in European population around 1750 due to lower mortality rates.

Consumer Revolution

A shift toward buying goods for comfort and display, reflecting changing economic conditions.

Écrasez l'infâme!

Voltaire's rallying cry meaning 'crush the loathsome thing!' referring to the Catholic Church.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of significant agricultural development that increased food production prior to industrialization.

Nuclear Family

A family unit consisting of two parents and their children, becoming more common in 18th-century Europe.

Illegitimacy Explosion

The rise in premarital pregnancies and illegitimate births as community controls weakened.

Madame Geoffrin

A prominent salonnière who facilitated discussions among Enlightenment thinkers.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An early feminist who argued for women's education and authored A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.