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Enlightenment List 206 words

February 25, 2010 By Mr. Frick (New York, NY)

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Definitions Notes & Examples Words Only
  1. Enlightenment
    a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  2. Thomas Hobbes
    English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  3. Glorious Revolution
    the revolution against James II; there was little armed resistance to William and Mary in England although battles were fought in Scotland and Ireland (1688-1689)
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  4. Montesquieu
    French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (1689-1755)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  5. Hobbes
    English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  6. social contract
    an implicit agreement among people that results in the organization of society; individual surrenders liberty in return for protection
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  7. Locke
    English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  8. Catherine the Great
    empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796)
    In Russia, Catherine the Great introduced similar reforms.
  9. John Locke
    English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  10. freedom of speech
    a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
    Voltaire
    Voltaire was a French intellectual who wrote and lectured about freedom of speech.
  11. Rousseau
    French philosopher and writer born in Switzerland; believed that the natural goodness of man was warped by society; ideas influenced the French Revolution (1712-1778)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  12. Voltaire
    French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  13. revolution
    a single complete turn (axial or orbital)
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  14. basically
    in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  15. outlive
    live longer than
    However, these reforms seldom outlived the monarchs who had enacted them.
  16. American Revolution
    the revolution of the American Colonies against Great Britain; 1775-1783
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  17. Balance
    the seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
    Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty.
  18. leviathan
    the largest or most massive thing of its kind
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  19. enact
    order by virtue of superior authority; decree
    Elsewhere, a few monarchs retained absolute control of their countries while also enacting reform based on Enlightenment ideas.
  20. government
    (government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governed
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  21. abusive
    characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment
    Furthermore, Locke states that if government did not protect these rights, and became abusive, then the people had a right to revolution.
  22. monarch
    a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  23. executive branch
    the branch of the United States government that is responsible for carrying out the laws
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  24. individualism
    the quality of being individual
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  25. thinker
    someone who exercises the mind (usually in an effort to reach a decision)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  26. based
    having a base
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  27. intolerance
    unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  28. reform
    make changes for improvement in order to remove abuse and injustices
    Elsewhere, a few monarchs retained absolute control of their countries while also enacting reform based on Enlightenment ideas.
  29. contract
    a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  30. Teresa
    Indian nun and missionary in the Roman Catholic Church (born of Albanian parents in what is now Macedonia); dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997)
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.
  31. Latin American
    a native of Latin America
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  32. despot
    a cruel and oppressive dictator
    These monarchs are called Enlightened Despots.
  33. French Revolution
    the revolution in France against the Bourbons; 1789-1799
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  34. censorship
    deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  35. scientific
    conforming with the principles or methods used in science
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  36. toleration
    a disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  37. assessment
    the act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event
    Locke
    Locke also based his theories on his assessment of human nature.
  38. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    In his book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke explained that all men have Natural Rights, which are Life, Liberty, and Property, and that the purpose of government was to protect these rights.
  39. base
    lowest support of a structure
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  40. introduce
    bring something new to an environment
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.
  41. discarded
    thrown away
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  42. focused
    being in focus or brought into focus
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  43. speak out
    express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  44. greedy
    immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  45. stimulate
    cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  46. unequal
    poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  47. Laws
    the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  48. belief
    any cognitive content held as true
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  49. Catholic Church
    any of several churches claiming to have maintained historical continuity with the original Christian Church
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  50. idea
    the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  51. focus on
    center upon
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  52. people
    (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  53. discard
    anything that is cast aside or discarded
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  54. jean
    (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  55. freedom
    the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
    In the Social Contract, people would exchange most of their freedoms for the safety of organized society.
  56. peasant
    one of a (chiefly European) class of agricultural laborers
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  57. baron
    a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  58. supported
    held up or having the weight borne especially from below
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  59. furthermore
    in addition
    Furthermore, Locke states that if government did not protect these rights, and became abusive, then the people had a right to revolution.
  60. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  61. absolute
    perfect or complete or pure
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  62. influential
    having or exercising influence or power
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  63. enlightened
    having knowledge and spiritual insight
    These monarchs are called Enlightened Despots.
  64. treatise
    a formal exposition
    In his book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke explained that all men have Natural Rights, which are Life, Liberty, and Property, and that the purpose of government was to protect these rights.
  65. describe
    give a description of
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  66. believe
    accept as true; take to be true
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  67. impact
    the striking of one body against another
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  68. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities or organized groups
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  69. Catherine
    first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
    In Russia, Catherine the Great introduced similar reforms.
  70. book
    physical objects consisting of a number of pages bound together
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  71. judicial
    expressing careful judgment
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  72. right
    free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
    In his book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke explained that all men have Natural Rights, which are Life, Liberty, and Property, and that the purpose of government was to protect these rights.
  73. extension
    act of expanding in scope; making more widely available
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  74. escape from
    get rid of
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  75. best
    (superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  76. enlighten
    give spiritual insight to; in religion
    These monarchs are called Enlightened Despots.
  77. distribution
    the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  78. state
    the way something is with respect to its main attributes
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  79. legislative
    relating to a legislature or composed of members of a legislature
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  80. human nature
    the shared psychological attributes of humankind that are assumed to be shared by all human beings
    Locke
    Locke also based his theories on his assessment of human nature.
  81. selfish
    concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  82. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  83. check
    examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
    Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty.
  84. separation
    the act of dividing or disconnecting
    The ideas of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances can be seen in the government of the United States.
  85. natural
    in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  86. corruption
    lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  87. warfare
    the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  88. divide
    a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  89. Thomas
    the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  90. in turn
    in proper order or sequence
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  91. retained
    continued in your keeping or use or memory
    Elsewhere, a few monarchs retained absolute control of their countries while also enacting reform based on Enlightenment ideas.
  92. basic
    reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible without loss of generality
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  93. education
    the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  94. focus
    the concentration of attention or energy on something
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  95. traditional
    consisting of or derived from tradition
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  96. branch
    a division of a stem, or secondary stem arising from the main stem of a plant
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  97. liberty
    freedom of choice
    In his book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke explained that all men have Natural Rights, which are Life, Liberty, and Property, and that the purpose of government was to protect these rights.
  98. protected
    kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
    Locke supported a limited government that protected people's natural rights.
  99. reduce
    make smaller
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  100. Austria
    a mountainous republic in central Europe; under the Habsburgs (1278-1918) Austria maintained control of the Holy Roman Empire and was a leader in European politics until the 19th century
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.
  101. Maria
    valuable timber tree of Panama
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.
  102. release
    grant freedom to; free from confinement
    Once people entered into this contract, there was no release.
  103. French
    of or pertaining to France or the people of France
    Voltaire
    Voltaire was a French intellectual who wrote and lectured about freedom of speech.
  104. believe in
    have a firm conviction as to the goodness of something
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  105. organized
    methodical and efficient in arrangement or function
    In the Social Contract, people would exchange most of their freedoms for the safety of organized society.
  106. reasonable
    showing reason or sound judgment
    However, Locke believed that people could be reasonable and moral.
  107. lecture
    a speech that is open to the public
    Voltaire
    Voltaire was a French intellectual who wrote and lectured about freedom of speech.
  108. speech
    (language) communication by word of mouth
    Voltaire
    Voltaire was a French intellectual who wrote and lectured about freedom of speech.
  109. control
    power to direct or determine
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  110. balance
    harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design)
    The ideas of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances can be seen in the government of the United States.
  111. elsewhere
    in or to another place
    Elsewhere, a few monarchs retained absolute control of their countries while also enacting reform based on Enlightenment ideas.
  112. create
    bring into existence
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  113. attempted
    tried unsuccessfully
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  114. impulse
    an impelling force or strength
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  115. limited
    subject to limits or subjected to limits
    Locke supported a limited government that protected people's natural rights.
  116. according
    (followed by `to') in agreement with or accordant with
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  117. empire
    the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  118. glorious
    having or deserving or conferring glory
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  119. society
    an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
    In the Social Contract, people would exchange most of their freedoms for the safety of organized society.
  120. also
    in addition
    Locke
    Locke also based his theories on his assessment of human nature.
  121. reduced
    made less in size or amount or degree
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  122. seldom
    not often
    However, these reforms seldom outlived the monarchs who had enacted them.
  123. support
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    Hobbes did not believe in revolutions, and supported the idea of absolute monarchs.
  124. intellectual
    of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
    Voltaire
    Voltaire was a French intellectual who wrote and lectured about freedom of speech.
  125. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  126. cruel
    (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  127. constant
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  128. developed
    being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  129. retain
    secure and keep for possible future use or application
    Elsewhere, a few monarchs retained absolute control of their countries while also enacting reform based on Enlightenment ideas.
  130. stated
    declared as fact; explicitly stated
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  131. Joseph
    (New Testament) husband of Mary and (in Christian belief) the foster father of Jesus
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.
  132. exchange
    the act of changing one thing for another thing
    In the Social Contract, people would exchange most of their freedoms for the safety of organized society.
  133. purpose
    what something is used for
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  134. Latin
    any dialect of the language of ancient Rome
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  135. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  136. call
    utter a sudden loud cry
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  137. agree
    consent or assent to a condition, or agree to do something
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  138. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  139. ended
    having come or been brought to a conclusion
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  140. load
    weight to be borne or conveyed
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  141. free
    able to act at will; not hampered; not under compulsion or restraint
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  142. safety
    the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
    In the Social Contract, people would exchange most of their freedoms for the safety of organized society.
  143. write
    write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  144. defend
    protect against a challenge or attack
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  145. physical
    involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  146. executive
    a person responsible for the administration of a business
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  147. majority
    the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part
    Rousseau believed that government should be run according to the will of the majority, which he called the General Will.
  148. advice
    a proposal for an appropriate course of action
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  149. wealth
    property that has economic utility: a monetary value or an exchange value
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  150. Russia
    a federation in northeastern Europe and northern Asia; formerly Soviet Russia; since 1991 an independent state
    In Russia, Catherine the Great introduced similar reforms.
  151. enter
    to come or go into
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  152. weapon
    any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
    He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government.
  153. sought
    that is looked for
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  154. Catholic
    of or relating to or supporting Catholicism
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  155. Britain
    a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland; `Great Britain' is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  156. American
    of or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or culture
    This in turn led to the Glorious Revolution is Britain, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Latin American Revolutions.
  157. similar
    having the same or similar characteristics
    In Russia, Catherine the Great introduced similar reforms.
  158. develop
    grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment
    The Enlightenment developed as an extension of the Scientific Revolution.
  159. help
    give help or assistance; be of service
    Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty.
  160. limit
    as far as something can go
    Locke supported a limited government that protected people's natural rights.
  161. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    In his book, Montesquieu describes what he considers to be the best government.
  162. equal
    having the same quantity, value, or measure as another
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  163. law
    the collection of rules imposed by authority
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  164. escape
    run away from confinement
    He believed people would enter into a Social Contract to escape from this.
  165. moral
    concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
    However, Locke believed that people could be reasonable and moral.
  166. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  167. tax
    charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
    They reduced the tax load on the peasants, provided free education, and ended censorship in their empire.
  168. running
    the act of running; traveling on foot at a fast pace
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  169. property
    something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
    In his book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke explained that all men have Natural Rights, which are Life, Liberty, and Property, and that the purpose of government was to protect these rights.
  170. however
    in whatever way or manner
    However, Locke believed that people could be reasonable and moral.
  171. United States
    North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
    The ideas of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances can be seen in the government of the United States.
  172. most
    (superlative of `many' used with count nouns and often preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  173. noble
    of or belonging to or constituting the hereditary aristocracy especially as derived from feudal times
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  174. run
    move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
    Rousseau believed that government should be run according to the will of the majority, which he called the General Will.
  175. power
    possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done
    He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch.
  176. problem
    a question raised for consideration or solution
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  177. general
    applying to all or most members of a category or group
    Rousseau believed that government should be run according to the will of the majority, which he called the General Will.
  178. claim
    assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
    He claimed the General Will would always act in the best interest of the people.
  179. will
    the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  180. saying
    a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  181. spoke
    support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  182. united
    characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
    The ideas of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances can be seen in the government of the United States.
  183. system
    a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole
    Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty.
  184. attempt
    make an effort or attempt
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  185. world
    the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  186. seek
    try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
    She enacted laws for religious toleration and free education, and also sought the advice of nobles and peasants in the running of government.
  187. France
    a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  188. while
    a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
    While the Scientific Revolution focused on the physical world, the Enlightenment attempted to explain the purpose of government, and describe the best form of it.
  189. result
    something that results
    Some of these revolutions resulted in government based upon the ideas of the Enlightenment.
  190. sense
    the faculty through which the external world is apprehended
    Impact
    Enlightenment ideas helped to stimulate people's sense of individualism, and the basic belief in equal rights.
  191. human
    any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae characterized by superior intelligence, articulate speech, and erect carriage
    Locke
    Locke also based his theories on his assessment of human nature.
  192. strong
    having strength or power greater than average or expected
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  193. cause
    events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
    Jean Jacques Rousseau
    Rousseau wrote a book called, The Social Contract, where he stated that people were basically good, and that society, and its unequal distribution of wealth, were the cause of most problems.
  194. life
    the organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving ones
    In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes states that life would be a state of constant warfare without a strong government to control man's natural impulses.
  195. around
    in the area or vicinity
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  196. spirit
    the vital principle or animating force within living things
    Montesquieu
    Baron de Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748.
  197. man
    an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
    Hobbes
    Thomas Hobbes based his theories on government on his belief that man was basically greedy, selfish, and cruel.
  198. nature
    the natural physical world including plants and animals and landscapes etc.
    Locke
    Locke also based his theories on his assessment of human nature.
  199. John
    youngest son of Henry II; King of England from 1199 to 1216; succeeded to the throne on the death of his brother Richard I; lost his French possessions; in 1215 John was compelled by the barons to sign the Magna Carta (1167-1216)
    The most influential Enlightenment thinkers were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
  200. known
    apprehended with certainty
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  201. church
    a place for public (especially Christian) worship
    He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.
  202. bad
    having undesirable or negative qualities
    He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government.
  203. reason
    a rational motive for a belief or action
    During the Scientific Revolution, Europeans discarded traditional beliefs and began using reason to explain the world around them.
  204. act
    behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
    He claimed the General Will would always act in the best interest of the people.
  205. death
    the permanent end of all life functions in an organism or part of an organism
    Voltaire is best known for saying, "I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
  206. son
    a male human offspring
    In Austria, Maria Teresa and her son Joseph II both introduced reforms based on Enlightenment ideas.