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2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

The Philosophes and the Enlightenment

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on who the philosophes were and on the arguments of Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What key political principle did Montesquieu advocate in 'The Spirit of the Laws'?

Key term

What Enlightenment principles did the American Revolution demonstrate in practice?

Key term

How did France's intervention in the American War of Independence spread revolutionary ideas?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Who were the philosophes?

    Model answer

    The philosophes were Enlightenment thinkers who applied reason and critical inquiry to traditional institutions, customs, and beliefs, challenging the intellectual foundations of absolutism and privilege.

  2. 2

    What did Voltaire criticise and advocate?

    Model answer

    Voltaire criticised religious intolerance, superstition, and the power of the Catholic Church, advocating freedom of thought and expression, though he did not oppose monarchy itself.

  3. 3

    What key political principle did Montesquieu advocate in 'The Spirit of the Laws'?

    Model answer

    Montesquieu advocated the separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judicial branches as a safeguard against tyranny.

  4. 4

    What did Rousseau argue about the basis of legitimate government in 'The Social Contract'?

    Model answer

    Rousseau argued that legitimate government rested on the general will of the people and that sovereignty belonged to the nation, not the monarch.

  5. 5

    What was the Encyclopédie and who edited it?

    Model answer

    The Encyclopédie was a comprehensive compilation of human knowledge edited by Diderot and d'Alembert (1751-1772) that spread Enlightenment ideas by subjecting traditional beliefs to rational scrutiny.

  6. 6

    Why is the extent of Enlightenment influence in France debated?

    Model answer

    While Enlightenment ideas circulated among educated elites, they had limited direct reach among the illiterate peasant majority.

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AMary restored the heresy laws.
BMary restored the Latin Mass.
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Henry II died on 6 July 1189 at Chinon.
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