World History: Enlightenment Thinkers Lesson

In this lesson, we explore the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual transformation that reshaped how people thought about government, society, and individual rights. Students will examine how major philosophers—Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Beccaria, and Mary Wollstonecraft—used reason and logic to challenge absolutism and lay the foundation for modern democracy.

🧠 Topics Covered
Origins of the Enlightenment: influence of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution

Thomas Hobbes – belief in a strong ruler and the social contract

John Locke – natural rights of life, liberty, and property

Voltaire – freedom of speech, religion, and tolerance

Montesquieu – separation of powers and checks and balances

Rousseau – the general will and direct democracy

Beccaria – justice system reform and fair punishment

Mary Wollstonecraft – equality and education for women

The Enlightenment’s influence on the American and French Revolutions

🎯 Lesson Objective
Students will analyze how Enlightenment philosophers applied reason to challenge absolute rule, promote human rights, and inspire revolutionary change around the world.

🧾 Matching Resources
Pair this video with:
📘 World History: Enlightenment Thinkers PowerPoint:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Enlightenment-Thinkers-PowerPoint-12732890

🧩 World History: Enlightenment Thinkers Reading & Graphic Organizer Activity:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Enlightenment-Thinkers-Reading-Activity-12745917

📝 World History: The Enlightenment Guided Notes (FREE):
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Enlightenment-Thinkers-Guided-Notes-12732951#show-price-update

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

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