The document summarizes key aspects of the Enlightenment period in the 18th century. During this time, philosophers and thinkers argued that reason should be the foundation of society and guide progress. They explored ideas around what it means to be rational and the social contract theory that government exists to serve the people. The Enlightenment led to the creation of new literature, philosophy works, and the first encyclopedia. It inspired revolutions in America, France, and Haiti. However, it also increased racism and paved the way for imperialism by marking some societies as "enlightened" and others as "unenlightened."

1. So You Say You Want a Revolution? Bronx Lab School Global History 10 Unit 2

2. Enlightenment The Enlightenment was a period in the 18th century (1700’s) in which philosophers, writers, and other thinkers argued that Reason should be the foundation of society

3. Key Ideas Reason What does it mean to be rational? Progress When Reason guides society, society will progress and advance Social Contract Argument that Government exists because of a social contract that in theory is agreed to by all people

4. Where are we?

5. Our Key Questions What is being created or investigated? What is the revolution or change?

6. What is being created or investigated? Created: Literature Philosophy The first Encyclopedia Investigated: Just forms of government How to make society progress

7. What is the revolution or change? Positive Spread of idea that government exists for the people Enlightenment ideas inspire American, French, and Haitian Revolutions (and all later ones) Spread of culture for Middle Class (literature, theater, music) More freedom for women Negative: If some places are now seen as “Enlightened”, this means that other areas are seen as “Unenlightened” Leads to an increase in racism, and paves the road for widespread Imperialism

8. Key People Voltaire Denis Diderot Mary Wollstonecraft Catherine the Great John Locke Jean-Jacques Rousseau