World History: The Enlightenment Lesson

Lesson Summary:
In this lesson, we explore the Enlightenment, the intellectual movement that transformed Europe’s understanding of government, society, and individual rights. Students will learn how reason and scientific thought challenged the power of monarchs and the Church, setting the stage for revolutions and democratic change around the world.

🧠 Topics Covered

Decline of absolutism and questioning of divine right

Thomas Hobbes and the social contract

John Locke and natural rights (life, liberty, and property)

Voltaire and the defense of civil liberties

Montesquieu and the separation of powers

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the general will

Mary Wollstonecraft and women’s equality

William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery

William Blackstone and property rights

The impact of Enlightenment ideas on revolutions and modern democracy

🎯 Lesson Objective
Students will analyze how Enlightenment thinkers used reason and natural law to challenge absolute monarchies and lay the foundation for modern democratic government.

🧾 Matching Resources
Pair this video with:
📘 World History: The Enlightenment PowerPoint
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-Enlightenment-PowerPoint-12716680

📝 FREE Enlightenment Guided Notes
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-Enlightenment-Guided-Notes-12745949

The Enlightenment Unit:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-Enlightenment-Unit-17-Bundle-12745986

Find both available through Kloeker’s Education Foundation:
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YouTube Channel
Rumble Channel

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#WorldHistory #TheEnlightenment #JohnLocke #Voltaire #Montesquieu #Rousseau #MaryWollstonecraft #WilliamWilberforce #SocialContract #SeparationOfPowers #NaturalRights #KloekersEducationFoundation