Enlightenment, Glorious, and French Revolutions
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a European cultural movement of the 18th century, marked by a heavy reliance on reason. It criticized traditional institutions and aimed to provide knowledge. This new ideology highlighted the individual’s capacity to understand and solve societal problems through education.
Features
New ways of thinking reflected liberation of thought in all fields. Key aspects include:
Role of Nature
The Enlightenment advocated for allowing natural laws to govern. Individuals should live in full freedom, without restraints from the church, kings, or economic systems. Natural laws were believed to allow for proper assessment and troubleshooting.
Reason and Equality
18th-century philosophers believed that reason allowed humans to solve everything. Reason alone would lead humanity to happiness and progress, eliminating slavery and servitude.
Freedom and Morality
Enlightenment thinkers defended the freedom of individual human beings: freedom to act, worship, receive education, and think. Morality should be based on reason, not faith.
Encyclopedias
18th-century philosophy and science were compiled in a work presenting new ideas of science and crafts. This work stimulated critical thinking about economic, social, monarchical, and church matters.
The Glorious Revolution
Causes
- Implementation of absolutism by James II.
- Religious ideas and practices of James II (Catholic).
- Birth of James II’s son with Mary of Modena (Catholics).
- Disappointment of the Tories and Whigs due to the birth of the Prince.
- Sale of indulgences by order of James II.
Development
With little opposition, forces defending William entered England on November 5, 1688. James II fled to France, ending his reign and the Glorious Revolution.
Consequences
- Mary II, daughter of the deposed James II, was crowned the new Queen.
- England became a great power between the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Existing states put Habeas Corpus.
- End of absolutism in England. The bourgeoisie established a parliamentary monarchy, a limited monarchy.
French Revolution
Background
Louis XVI ascended the throne and inherited a host of economic problems. Although he was a good man, he was influenced by the extravagant Marie Antoinette, which gave him a bad reputation.
Causes
- Influence of Enlightenment ideas and hatred towards absolute monarchy.
- The success of the revolution of the thirteen colonies.
- Unfair distribution of taxes.
- Constant opposition from the nobility, who had lost their privileges and power.
- Desire for political freedom.
Development
Stages of the Revolution:
Revolt of the Privileged
Louis appointed Robert Turgot to relieve the economic crisis. Turgot proposed reducing costs, fair payment to farmers, and reduction of privileges for the nobles and clergy. The nobles and clergy disagreed and dismissed him. James Necker was put in his place, who made public the realm’s investments (feasts of Mary), which infuriated the queen, and he was also dismissed, but then named again. Necker proposed convening the Estates-General, composed of nobles, clergy, and bourgeoisie, to resolve the finances.
Seizure of Power by the Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie demanded that since they were more numerous, the vote should be per head. They argued that if they maintained the state, they were entitled to representation. The nobles opposed this. Nevertheless, the bourgeoisie acted in rebellion, establishing that the vote would be by head, and began the assembly. Louis XVI stated that it did not deal with issues affecting the king’s authority and ordered the assembly to be dissolved. But the assembly reconvened, disobeying the king, and the bourgeoisie took power.
The Bastille
Recommended by the Queen, Louis went to Versailles, where the Assembly was taking place. In Paris, an enraged group rebelled against the king and attacked the barracks, taking weapons. They then went to the Bastille and, after three hours, took it. This highlighted the rise of the bourgeoisie and the economic crisis in France.