5.1 The Enlightenment

Question 1

John Locke

Answer 1

A 17th century enlightenment philosopher who argued the social contract gave citizens the right life, liberty and the pursuit of property. If citizens were denied these things to revolt against an unjust government.

Question 2

Tabula Rasa

Answer 2

In Latin, tabula rasa means “blank slate”. John Locke argued that every child was born with a tabula rasa waiting for knowledge.

Question 3

Social Contract

Answer 3

The social contract is the result of polictical life, i.e. I agree to let you government in exchange for just governance.

Question 4

The Philosophes

Answer 4

A group of thinkers and writers during the Enlightenment who explored social, polictical, and economic theories.

Question 5

Baron Montesquieu

Answer 5

An Enlightenment philosopher who praised Britain’s checks on governmental power, influencing the creation of the U.S. governments of separation of powers. He wrote the Spirit of Laws.

Question 6

Voltaire

Answer 6

French playright who was exiled to England until he was allowed to return to France to campaign for religious liberty and judicial reform. Corresponded with monarchs like Catherine the Great.

Question 7

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer 7

Expanded on the idea of the social contract who built on the concept of the Social Contract by arguing the “General Will” of people was an obligation the sovereign.

Question 8

Adam Smith

Answer 8

An Enlightenment economist who argued for “freer trade” - and wanted economic governance to use a “laissez-faire” approach.

Question 9

Laissez-faire

Answer 9

A French phrase for “leave it alone” - or literally, “let to do”.

Question 10

Capitalism

Answer 10

An economic system where means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.

Question 11

Deism

Answer 11

A belief that a divinity sets natural laws in motion, like a watchmaker creating a watch but not interfering with its ability to tell time.

Question 12

Conservatism

Answer 12

A belief in traditional instituions, favoring reliance on experience instead of ideas.

Question 13

Socialism

Answer 13

A system of public or direct worker ownership of the means of production.

Question 14

Classical Liberalism

Answer 14

A belief in natural rights, constutional government, laissez-faire economics and reduced spending on armies and churches.

Question 15

Feminism

Answer 15

Amovement for women’s rights and equality.

Question 16

Abolitionism

Answer 16

A movement to end the Atlanticc slave trade and free enslaved people.

Question 17

Zionism

Answer 17

A movement of Jewish people wanting to establish an independent homeland.

Question 18

anti-Semitism

Answer 18

hostility toward Jews, including pograms - violent attacks on Jewish communities.

Question 19

Theodore Herzl

Answer 19

A Zionist movement leader.

Question 20

The Dreyfuss Affair

Answer 20

A scandal in France that occurred when Theodore Dreyfuss, a Jewish French military officer was convicted of treason based on forged documents.

Question 21

The Wealth of Nations

Answer 21

A book by Adam Smith advocating for freer trade.

Question 22

Utopian Socialists

Answer 22

Socialists who felt society should set up ideal communities.

Question 23

Henri de Saint-Simon

Answer 23

A Utopian Socialists who believed scientists and engineers working with business people could create a efficient, beautiful places for people to life and work.

Question 24

Charles Fourier

Answer 24

A Utopian Socialist who believed a fundamental principle of utopia was harmonious living in communities.

Question 25

Robert Owen

Answer 25

A Utopian Socialist who established intentional communities - small societies governed by the principles of Utopian Socialism.

Question 26

The Fabian Society

Answer 26

A group of “gradual socialists” who favored reforming society by parliamentary means.