The Enlightenment influenced the French Revolution by empowering people to fight for a better government, human rights, and converse with one another, resulting in a new lifestyle that allowed people to have a choice; similar to the way we as...
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Thesis Continued
...America's are now allowed to express our own opinions, protected by our government. -
Enlightenment Ideas
“The Enlightenment reached its height in France… Paris became the meeting place for people who wanted to discuss politics and ideas” (Black & Beck 552). Enlightenment ideas were shared and exploited in many different ways. Ideas were easily spread to those who were educated, however those who were not learned how to be involved too. This sparked many individuals to start taking leadership for themselves and their rights. Eventually these ideas made their way to France. -
Mary Wollstonecraft 1
Mary Wollstonecraft was a women that advocated for women's rights. She argued that women should be educated for themselves and for their children. As the text stated, “Rather, she argued that women, like men, need education to become virtuous and useful” (Black & Beck 555). Women were often stay at home moms who were responsible for educating their children. However, if they were not educated how were they supposed to give their children a high quality education, Wollstonecraft argued. She... -
Women's Rights 1
During the French Revolution women's rights were fought for and were eventually taken into consideration by the government. It became apparent that women's education was important for the next generation, as Mary Wollstonecraft had stated. However, the ideas of women involved in politics was not yet seen as important. As the text stated, “In the eighteenth century, those who favored improving the status of women insisted primarily on women's right to an education…” (chnm.gmu.edu). Although... -
Mary Wollstonecraft 2
...also believed that women should have the right to become doctors and participate in politics. -
Women's Rights 2
...women did not receive all of the rights they had protested for, it was a major breakthrough for them. It opened up a new gateway for women's rights and possibilities. -
Voltaire
“…Voltaire never stopped fighting for tolerance, reason, freedom of religious belief, and freedom of speech” (Black & Beck 553). Voltaire was an enlightenment thinker that believed that there should be a separation between church and state. Voltaire was sent to prison multiple times and even had to flee France for sharing his opinion. With that reoccurrence, Voltaire also believed that individuals should have the freedom of speech. -
Montesquieu
Montesquieu believed that government should be separated into three branches called legislative, judicial, and executive to share power; similar to how America's government works. As the text stated, “Montesquieu called this division of power among different branches separation of powers” (Black & Beck 553). This form of government would allow input from many individuals on decision making. It also allowed for new ideas to be checked before effecting total populations. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau 2
...government and decision making. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau 1
Rousseau believed that civilized people lost freedom and equality. He was given this idea by realizing that civilization corrupted people's natural goodness, because they had to obey unjust laws. As the text stated, “Rousseau believed that the only good government was one that was freely formed by the people and guided by the ‘general will’ of society—a direct democracy” (Black & Beck 554). This statement suggests that citizens would be offered more rights if they were more involved in their... -
Cesare Bonesana
“He believed that laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes” (Black & Beck 554). Bonesana believed that someone accused of a crime should have a quick trial, but torture should never be used against them. He went against any form of cruel treatment, as he thought that it was unnecessary. Bonesana also believed that capital punishment should end. -
King Louis XIV Agreement
“At the same time, Louis agreed to become a constitutional monarch, ruling in consultation with, rather than over, his people” (chnm.gmu.edu). During the French Revolution citizens were fighting for a better government. Louis's agreement to the outrage was the first step to a superior government. His change allowed the citizens of France to have more of a say in decisions, similar to what Montesquieu believed should happen. -
Human Rights 1
"On August 4, the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen…" (history.com). The Declaration of Man and of the Citizen, is a human civil rights document created during the French Revolution. The document was highly influenced by the Enlightenment thinker Rousseau and includes ideas from Voltaire's and Montesquieu's propositions. It beholds a great deal of rights for the citizens including the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and... -
Human Rights 2
...separation of powers. -
Less Violence
“When Louis XVI rejected the use of violence and ordered recalcitrant deputies to meet with the National Assembly on 27 June, the National Assembly became legal without resorting to violence” (chnm.gmu.edu). This was the first step to a less violent government during the French Revolution. Avengement by violence to a criminal was no longer seen. They agreed to proceed with a punishment in a more peaceful manner. Enlightenment thinker Bonesana was an influence to this idea. -
Religion Disputes
“The mobs destroyed many churches, cathedrals and monasteries” (theotherside.co.uk). People acted violently towards religious figures during the French Revolution. Citizens did not agree with the way they could use their power to protect their own wealth and position. This is similar to the way Voltaire thought. Mobs destroyed many religious structures to show their anger of unfair treatment. -
Consultation 1
Discussions involving enlightenment ideas became a big part of the French Revolution. They gave reason to what individuals were fighting for and allowed opinions to be expressed to others. They became so popular that there were gatherings put together. As the text stated, “In Paris and other European cities, wealthy women helped spread Enlightenment ideas through social gatherings called salons” (Black & Beck 555). Salons offered women the opportunity to step up into a leadership role,... -
Consultation 2
...creating a better foundation for women's opportunities. Overall, salons brought citizens together and opened up a spotlight for women. -
Works Cited 1
Beck, Rodger B. World History: Patterns of Interaction. McDougal
Littell, 2005. -
Works Cited 2
Editors, History.com. “French Revolution.” History.com, A&E
Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009,
www.history.com/topics/france/french-revolution. -
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Works Cited 4
“Monarchy Falls.” Omeka RSS,
chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/exhibits/show/liberty--equality--
fraternity/monarchy-falls. -
Works Cited 5
“National Assembly,” Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, accessed May 7,
2019, http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/d/1102. -
Works Cited 6
“Women and the Revolution.” Omeka RSS,
chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/exhibits/show/liberty--equality--
fraternity/women-and-the-revolution.
