geocentric theory
earth centered view of universe
heliocentric theory
sun-centered view of universe (Copernicus & Galileo)
scientific method
procedure for gathering and testing ideas
Isaac Newton
law of universal gravitation (gravity)
New tools to study science
telescope
New advances in
medicine
Enlightenment
age of reason; stressed reason, thought, and power of individuals to solve problems
Scientific Revolution
changed how people viewed the physical world. scholars changed their thinking about the natural world.
social contract
agreement in which people limited their individual rights in order to create an organized society or government (Hobbes and Locke)
Philosophes
French philosophers believed could apply reason to all parts of life; 5 concepts at core of their belief: reason, nature, happiness, progress, liberty.
Voltaire
philosophe who fought for tolerance, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech
Montesquieu
philosophe who believed in a government based on the separation of powers
Rousseau
philosophe interested in human freedom; all people created equal
Mary Wollstonecraft
philosophe who argued that women need education to be useful
Enlightened despot
an absolute ruler who listens to new ideas, makes reforms
Salons
social gatherings where philosophes met to discuss their ideas
Catherine the Great
ruler who tried to reform laws of Russia based on ideas of Enlightenment
American Revolution
Enlightenment ideas spurred American colonies to free themselves of British rule and create a new nation. A republic was created and became a model for many nations
Declaration of Independence
based on ideas of John Locke and the Enlightenment, written by Thomas Jefferson, argument for natural rights such as rebelling against an unjust ruler.
Federal System
separate national and state governments; checks and balances of the branches of government; separation of powers between the branches of government
Bill of Rights
first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution; influenced by Voltaire, John Locke, and Rousseau.