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The Enlightenment

Driving Question: How did intellectual and ideological movements shape the revolutions that swept the Atlantic world from 1750 to 1900 CE?

The Enlightenment was a cultural and intellectual movement in Europe during the late 1600s that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers during this time questioned traditional authority and believed intellectual thought and reason could improve all areas of life. Their ideas about freedom, equality, and government helped inspire revolutions in the late 1700s. However, rising taxes and food prices also pushed people to take action and demand change.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the intellectual and ideological context in which revolutions swept the Atlantic world from 1750 to 1900 CE.
  2. Explain how the Enlightenment affected societies over time.
  3. Use graphic biographies to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives from this region. 
  4. Analyze primary source documents to evaluate the intellectual and ideological causes of political revolutions from c. 1750 to 1900 CE.

Vocab Terms:

  • abolish
  • conservative
  • gender
  • nationalism
  • nation-state
  • reform
  • suffrage
STEP 1

Opener: The Enlightenment

Words have a power that can transcend time. Review these excerpts from famous Enlightenment writers—you might be surprised at how relevant many of their thoughts still are today.

STEP 2

The Enlightenment

In what way was The Enlightenment enlightening for people? What were the ideas that helped society progress further?

STEP 3

Sovereignty

What does it mean to be free? Does popular sovereignty give people freedom, or does it mean that some have rights while others may not?

STEP 4

Source Collection: Words of the Enlightenment

STEP 5

Graphic Biography: Edmund Burke

Is it possible to be both liberal and conservative at the same time? Edmund Burke was. In this graphic biography, you will find out how!

STEP 6

Why Was Slavery Abolished? Three Theories

It took time for slavery to be abolished—but why? This article examines three theories about the end of slavery in the Atlantic world.

STEP 7

Origins and Impact of Nationalism

Nationalism grew across many parts of the world throughout the long nineteenth century. But why? This article may provide some answers.

STEP 8

Women’s Suffrage Around the World

It may seem normal now, but women’s right to vote is a relatively recent achievement. The fight for this right was a long and arduous struggle. Compare what suffrage looked like across the world, using the materials below.

STEP 9

Closer: The Enlightenment

Harriet Forten Purvis not only fought the institution of slavery, but also fought the male-dominated institutions that, during her time, denied her the right to vote.