informal social gatherings at which writers, artists, philosophers, and others exchanged ideas
Salons
principal author of the Declaration of Independence; was heavily inspired by the Enlightenment thinkers especially John Locke
Thomas Jefferson
believed his purpose was "to change the general way of thinking" by explaining ideas on topics such as government, philosophy, and religion.
Diderot
was the longest-reigning monarch in British history; lost power over American colonies
George III
art in a grand ornate style that glorified historic battles or the lives of saints
Baroque
studied many governments and created the ideas of separation of powers & checks and balances
Montesquieu
art form that was lighter, more personal, elegant and charming; used pastel colors
Rococo
led American colonists to win the American Revolution due to his strength and leadership
argued that the free market should be allowed to operate & regulate business; he favored the free enterprise system
Adam Smith
the idea that all government power comes from the people
Popular Sovereignty
unchanging principles discovered through reason, that govern all human conduct
Natural Law
allowing business to operate with little or no government interference
Laissez Faire
absolute rulers who used their power to bring about political and social change
Enlightened Despot
the most radical enlightened despot who worked to modernize his government, granted more rights, ended censorship, and abolished serfdom
Joseph II
acts of parliament intended to promote self-sufficiency of the British Empire by restricting & decreasing dependence on foreign imported goods
Navigation Acts
allows the French to join the American side against the British
Battle of Saratoga
the first constitution of the 13 independent American colonies
Articles of Confederation
favored absolute monarchy and believed social contracts were needed to keep order
Thomas Hobbes
28-volume set of books
Encyclopedia
favored limited government; believed governments with limited power best protected the peoples natural rights
John Locke
often faced censorship for writing books on their opinions or information
Enlightenment Writers
performed Baroque & Classical music
Handel, Haydn, & Mozart
they were crucial to Europe's growing wealth
1700's British Merchants
taxed items such as newspapers and pamphlets; passed by Parliament for war money
Stamp Act
the fundamental law of the U.S. federal system of government
The US constitution