For this option you will write an informative essay about the Enlightenment thinkers, their views/ideas, and how their ideas impact us today. You are to only use your textbook, no outside sources.

Using only your thinking map and textbook readings, you will write a 3 paragraph essay.
Paragraph 1: What were the main ideas of Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft?
Paragraph 2: How did the ideas of the Enlightenment Thinkers challenged or changed government? (For reference, read 729-737 to review absolute monarchies) (Topic 17, Lesson 1-3)
Paragraph 3: Which enlightenment ideas do you see reflected in our world today?
Each paragraph should be 4-5 sentences long in the following format:
1 Topic Sentence: a sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.
2-3 Supporting Sentences: develop the main idea of the topic sentence.
1 Concluding Sentence: summarize the main idea of the paragraph

make it short and simple, use ten year old words

3 answers

During the Enlightenment period, important thinkers like Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft had key ideas. Locke believed in natural rights and the idea that people should have the power to change their government if it doesn't protect their rights. Voltaire championed freedom of speech and religion, while Rousseau believed in the social contract and the idea that government should serve the common good. Montesquieu believed in the separation of powers to prevent tyranny, and Wollstonecraft advocated for women's rights and education.

The Enlightenment Thinkers challenged and changed government in many ways. Their ideas questioned the authority of absolute monarchs and promoted the idea of individual rights and freedoms. This led to the development of new political systems, like democracy, that aimed to give power to the people instead of a single ruler. The idea of checks and balances, inspired by Montesquieu, also influenced the structure of modern governments.

Today, we still see the impact of Enlightenment ideas in our world. Concepts like freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the importance of individual rights are valued in many societies. The idea of a social contract between the government and the people, as well as the need for a system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power, are also reflected in modern governments. The Enlightenment Thinkers' emphasis on reason and progress continues to shape our understanding of politics, society, and human rights.
make it shorter
During the Enlightenment period, important thinkers like Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft had key ideas. Locke believed in natural rights, Voltaire in freedom of speech, Rousseau in the social contract, Montesquieu in separation of powers, and Wollstonecraft in women's rights and education.

The Enlightenment Thinkers challenged government by questioning absolute monarchs and promoting individual rights. They influenced the development of democracy and checks and balances in government structures.

Today, we still see the impact of Enlightenment ideas in our world through concepts like freedom of speech, religious tolerance, individual rights, and checks and balances in government. The ideas of reason, progress, and a social contract between government and people continue to shape our understanding of politics and human rights.