Enlightenment and Revolution, 1550-1789
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
Heliocentric theory
challenges geocentric
theory.
- Mathematics and
observation support
heliocentric theory
• Scientific method
develops
Scientists make
discoveries in many fields
A new way of
thinking about
the world
develops-based
on observation
and a willingness
to question
assumptions
ENLIGHTENMENT
People try to apply the
scientific approach to all
aspects of society
. Political scientists propose
new ideas about
government.
Philosophers urge using
reason to discover truths.
• Philosophers address social
issues through reason
Enlightenment
writers challenge
many accepted
Ideas about
government
and society
SPREAD OF
ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS
• Enlightenment ideas
appeal to thinkers and
artists across Europe
• Salons help spread
Enlightenment thinking
• Ideas spread to literate
middle dass
• Enlightened despots
attempt reforms
Enlightenment
Ideas sweep
through European
society and also to
colonial America
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Enlightenment ideas
influence colonists
• Britain taxes colonies
after French and Indian
War.
Colonists denounce
taxation without
representation
• War begins in Lexington
and Concord
Colonists declare
independence.
defeat Britain
and establisha
republic
The heliocentric theory challenged the
A)political scientists
B)observed patterns
C)geocentric theory
D)mathematical theories
