Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, etc.

1. Historical InfluencesHistorical Influences
on the Foundations ofon the Foundations of
Modern GovernmentModern Government
pp. 19-25,pp. 19-25, We the PeopleWe the People

2. The RenaissanceThe Renaissance
• Renaissance—Cultural movement in Europe, started inRenaissance—Cultural movement in Europe, started in
1414thth
centurycentury
• ““Rebirth”Rebirth”
• Revival of intellectual lifeRevival of intellectual life
• Education more widespread, cities developed, tradeEducation more widespread, cities developed, trade
flourishedflourished
• Increased communicationIncreased communication
• Increased importance on individual rights; increasedIncreased importance on individual rights; increased
individual opportunities for social mobilityindividual opportunities for social mobility
• Ended the “Dark Ages”Ended the “Dark Ages”

3. The ProtestantThe Protestant
ReformationReformation
• Reformation—Started in 1517 by Martin Luther;Reformation—Started in 1517 by Martin Luther;
challenge to the traditions of the Roman Catholicchallenge to the traditions of the Roman Catholic
ChurchChurch
• Leaders of the movement saw it as a chance to breakLeaders of the movement saw it as a chance to break
away from Rome’s political influenceaway from Rome’s political influence
• Printing press allowed Bible to be printed in English,Printing press allowed Bible to be printed in English,
French, German, Italian, etc. (only Latin prior)French, German, Italian, etc. (only Latin prior)
• More people read the Bible; greater freedom ofMore people read the Bible; greater freedom of
conscienceconscience

4. Nation-StatesNation-States
• With the Renaissance & Reformation emerged nation-With the Renaissance & Reformation emerged nation-
statesstates
• Nation-states were given sovereignty, and could chooseNation-states were given sovereignty, and could choose
their own institutions, including religiontheir own institutions, including religion
• Europeans began to view themselves of citizens ofEuropeans began to view themselves of citizens of
their country; saw themselves as part of somethingtheir country; saw themselves as part of something
biggerbigger

5. CapitalismCapitalism
• Capitalism—Economic system in which the means ofCapitalism—Economic system in which the means of
producing & distributing goods are privately owned &producing & distributing goods are privately owned &
operatedoperated
• Increasingly common in Europe following the RenaissanceIncreasingly common in Europe following the Renaissance
• More people were able to choose their own occupations, startMore people were able to choose their own occupations, start
their own businesses, etc.their own businesses, etc.
• Opportunities to gain property & improve economic statusOpportunities to gain property & improve economic status
• Natural rights philosophers believed that governmentNatural rights philosophers believed that government
existed to secure people’s propertyexisted to secure people’s property

6. The Age ofThe Age of
EnlightenmentEnlightenment
• Intellectual movement of 17Intellectual movement of 17thth
& 18& 18thth
centuriescenturies
• Advances in science & technologyAdvances in science & technology
• People believed they could solve more problems, like howPeople believed they could solve more problems, like how
to treat diseasesto treat diseases
• Started in Europe, but later picked up by AmericanStarted in Europe, but later picked up by American
FoundersFounders
• Tackled wide variety of subjects: religion, science,Tackled wide variety of subjects: religion, science,
government, politics, math, musicgovernment, politics, math, music
• Included: Galileo, Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes,Included: Galileo, Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes,
Voltaire, John LockeVoltaire, John Locke

7. The Age ofThe Age of
EnlightenmentEnlightenment
• Intellectual movement of 17Intellectual movement of 17thth
& 18& 18thth
centuriescenturies
• Advances in science & technologyAdvances in science & technology
• People believed they could solve more problems, like howPeople believed they could solve more problems, like how
to treat diseasesto treat diseases
• Started in Europe, but later picked up by AmericanStarted in Europe, but later picked up by American
FoundersFounders
• Tackled wide variety of subjects: religion, science,Tackled wide variety of subjects: religion, science,
government, politics, math, musicgovernment, politics, math, music
• Included: Galileo, Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes,Included: Galileo, Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes,
Voltaire, John LockeVoltaire, John Locke