Enlightenment Dbq Essay

Enlightenment

The enlightenment was a time in which leaders and philosophers promoted ideas during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that influenced people's thoughts concerning politics, social justice, human progress and religion forever. As said by Philosopher Immanuel Kant, “Enlightenment is defined as the upset of the established order/the awakening of one’s mind/forsaking society’s imposed mindset and establishing one for yourself.” (Document 12) These scientists like Issac Newton and writers like John Locke were challenging the old ways and because of that people became socially aware. From there came advancements that would help us grow into the people that we are today. During this time, more and more people began to

In order to run properly, it must be united as one – and during these times opinions tended to differ. As Jean Jacques Rousseau said in document 8, “It would be even less possible to inure the body without its members feeling it.” If you are all against each other, there will be no good outcome. One man when talking about Frederick the Great stated that “Political unity can be achieved [...] by using leniency or severity, allowing all ideas to come from the sovereign and by not declaring a religion.” (Document 11) which tied into the first quote presented. You must be welcoming to all ideas, and not just confide under one. This disrupt eventually lead to John Locke telling people that the government did not protect natural rights of life, liberty and property – which ultimately affected their views on their politicians. People were no longer believing in the monarchy, and that their government should not be controlled by any one individual. “ Therein let us bury, and forever, the dreams in which we once fondly trusted.” (Document 4), a man said as things began to take a turn. “When in every man’s hands in the state of nature” (Document 1) We ultimately held the power. Things were changing so quickly and profoundly at this time, that old theories and ways were vanishing and the new, scientifically proved ways were overshadowing the old. This is where things such as separating power among branches of government came into place, which is still around to this