World History- Chapter 2: Questions

What effects did Enlightenment philosophers have on government and society?

Enlightenment thinkers paved the way for modern democracy. Montesquieu's three branches of government helped frame the US constitution. Voltaire's literature helped illustrate the importance of freedom of speech. Rousseau has influenced people for over 200 years demonstrating the importance of opposing policial and economic oppression.

Compare Britain and the 13 colonies in the mid-1700s.

In the early 1700s England was united with Scotland so there was trade increase. George III was in power and began asserting his leadership in the government. The colonies were being controlled and taxed by the British government but they did not have the same rights as people in England.

How did Enlightenment thinkers inspire revolutionaries to push for radical changes in government and society?

The basic message that Jesus preached was the kingdom of God. That he was the son of God and to follow him for eternal life. The message spread because christians traveled around the world sharing the Gospel

How does the Bill of Rights reflect a key Enlightenment idea?

The bill of rights supports the Enlightenment ideas of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. It shows that people have basic rights that the government has to protect.

How did ideas of the Enlightenment lead to the independence and founding of the United States of America?

The colonists felt oppressed by the British and believed that they deserved to be free of British rule. They also believed that they were entitled to the same laws as British citizens which illustrated the importance of equality. The colonists did not feel that their government was being good to them so they decided to create their own government, which was advocated by Locke.

What did the philosophes do to better understand and improve society?

The philosophes questioned society and looked to other country models. Montesquieu studied governments from all over the world to later write The Spirit of Laws. In their work they criticized the government and came up with alternate solutions to fix problems in society.

The American Revolution ended when George Washington forced the surrender of the British at ______.

Yorktown, Virginia

In a ______, power is divided between the federal government and the states.

federal government

Explain why conflict between the colonist and Britain increased after 1763.

After the Seven Years War and French and Indian War the colonists were heavily taxed to help the British government fund the wars. Because they believed that to be unfair the colonists stood up against the British.

Explain the differences between baroque and rococo, and how these styles were reflected in art.

Baroque style was ornate and colorful, usually dark with strict lines. Paintings were big and illustrated battles scenes and saints. With the rise of salons the French elite wanted to decorate their homes. Rococo came about as a response to Enlightnement shanges in society. It was lighter and more elegant. Paintings had floral patterns and were much more delicate.

How did ideas of a "just society" change during the Age of Reason?

Before, Europeans believed rulers had full control over them and society. They believed that suffering on earth would lead to a good afterlife. During the Age of Reason a just society was seen to ensure social justice for all and happiness in this world.

Describe society and politics in the 13 English colonies during the mid-1700s.

By 1950 the colonies were part of the British empire and were used to help the British economy. The British exported more than they imported and used the Navigation Acts to regulate trade in the colonies. The Navigation Acts were not enforced so there was smuggling. There were less social distinctions since there were many different religious and ethnic groups.

What did Frederick the Great mean when he said, "In my kingdom, everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion"?

Frederick the Great was a supporter of religious freedom. He means that no matter what religion you believe in you will ultimately go to heaven.

What idea did John Locke advocate for the role of a government?

He did not believe in a absolute monarchy. He believed that if the government did not protect the natural rights of its people then the people can overthrow the government.

Give two examples of why the Bill of Rights is important to you.

It gives you the freedom of religion and speech. It also gives you right to a jury.

_______ believed in _______, which are the rights to life, liberty, and property.

John Locke .... natural rights

The enlightenment despot who ended censorship was ______.

Joseph II

Explain the connection between the policy of laissez faire and natural economic laws.

Laissez faire is the idea that the government should have little to no control over the economy. Natural economic laws of supply and demand show that when there is a high demand for certain goods suppliers will produce more to meet that demand. Since these occur naturally there is no need for government intervention.

Explain the economic policy of laissez faire.

Laissez faire is the idea that the government should not interfere with the economy.

What reasons might a Loyalist have for opposing the American Revolution?

Loyalists were in favor of British rule and would not support the American Revolution since it would mean the colonies would no longer be controlled by the British. The Americans did not have a military and no enough money to pay soldiers well.

______ advanced the idea of separation of powers.

Montesquieu

How did the achievements of the Scientific Revolution contribute to the Enlightenment?

Once Europeans realized that human reason could lead to scientific successes they began to wonder if they could use natural law to better understand social, economic, and political problems. In this way, the Scientific Revolution led to the Enlightenment.

What actions might peasants take as they learn more about ideas such as equality?

Peasants will see class structure as something flexible and will want to fight against those that they feel are oppressing them.

As Enlightenment ideas spread across Europe, what cultural and political changes took place?

Rococo stemmed from Louis XIV desire to have a less formal lifestyle than that of previous more ostentatious rulers. Composers started writing classical music that was more elegant than in the past. Middle class people had more opportunities to see live music. Enlightened despots were reforming their government in terms of new Enlightenment ideas.

How did taxation create tensions between the American colonies and the British government?

The British needed money for they wars so they taxed the American colonies for money. The colonists didn't they they should have to pay for the British wars. They believed taxing them was wrong so they began to protest.

What ideas about government do you think English settlers brought with them to the Americans?

The English settlers probably brought with them ideas that government was meant to protect citizens, promote justice, and defend individual rights and liberties. They likely also felt that if the government acted tyrannically, they had the right to replace it with a government that respected their wishes.

How did the Enlightenment affect some rulers in Europe, and what are these ruler known as?

These rulers are known as Enlightened despots and they tried to reform their governments in accordance with new enlightenment ideals.

The ______ style influenced by the Enlightenment was personal, elegant, and charming.

rococo