Step 1: Textbook Review and Thinking Map - Tree Map
You will create a Tree Thinking Map that details the following five Enlightenment thinkers: Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft.
Review the information in Unit 7, Lesson 4 to help you fill out the tree thinking map. You are to only use your textbook, no outside sources. (Pages 753-755) (Topic 17, Lesson 4)
Click HERE for directions for the online textbook
This thinking map is part of this assignment and must be turned in with the final project.
Click here for Thinking Map Template
Step 2: Completing the Project
Option 1: Informative Essay
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
For this assignment you must submit:
Thinking Map
Informative Essay
5 answers
Enlightenment Thinkers
- Locke
- Voltaire
- Rousseau
- Montesquieu
- Wollstonecraft
Informative Essay:
Paragraph 1: The main ideas of Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft varied, but they all shared a belief in individual rights and freedom. Locke, for example, believed in natural rights such as life, liberty, and property. Voltaire advocated for freedom of speech and religion. Rousseau discussed the concept of the social contract and the idea of the general will. Montesquieu emphasized the importance of separation of powers in government. Wollstonecraft focused on women's rights and equality.
Paragraph 2: The ideas of the Enlightenment Thinkers challenged and changed government by promoting the idea of limited government and the protection of individual rights. They criticized absolute monarchies and advocated for democratic governance. For example, Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers influenced the creation of the United States Constitution and the concept of checks and balances. Voltaire's support for freedom of speech laid the foundation for modern ideas of free expression.
Paragraph 3: Many enlightenment ideas are reflected in our world today, such as the belief in individual rights and freedoms. The concept of separation of powers is seen in democratic systems around the world, where executive, legislative, and judicial branches operate independently. The idea of equality and women's rights, as championed by Wollstonecraft, has led to advancements in gender equality and the women's rights movement. Overall, the Enlightenment Thinkers' ideas continue to shape and influence modern society.
Paragraph 2: The Enlightenment Thinkers changed government by supporting limited government and protecting individual rights. They criticized absolute monarchies and wanted more democratic rule. Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers influenced the U.S. Constitution with checks and balances. Voltaire's idea of freedom of speech has become a key principle in modern society.
Paragraph 3: Many of the Enlightenment ideas are still important today. Governments in democratic countries have separate branches like Montesquieu's idea. We still believe in individual rights and freedom like Locke and Voltaire advocated for. Women's rights and equality, which Wollstonecraft supported, are continuing to grow and improve in society. The Enlightenment Thinkers' ideas are still relevant and impactful in our world today.
Enlightenment Thinkers
- Locke
1. Believed in natural rights such as life, liberty, and property.
2. Advocated for limited government and the consent of the governed.
3. Influence can be seen in the Declaration of Independence.
- Voltaire
1. Championed freedom of speech and religion.
2. Criticized intolerance and injustice in society.
3. Advocated for social reform and individual liberties.
- Rousseau
1. Discussed the concept of the social contract and the general will.
2. Emphasized the importance of popular sovereignty.
3. Influence can be seen in modern democracy and political theory.
- Montesquieu
1. Advocated for the separation of powers in government.
2. Inspired the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution.
3. Believed in the importance of political moderation and balance.
- Wollstonecraft
1. Fought for women's rights and gender equality.
2. Advocated for education and empowerment of women.
3. Influence can be seen in the feminist movement and women's rights activism today.