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The Enlightenment: Ideas and Impact

Explore the key ideas, thinkers, and lasting impact of the Enlightenment period on society, government, and individual rights.

Grade 12 Social studies HistoryThe Enlightenment
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Multiple ChoiceFill in the BlanksTrue / FalseShort AnswerMatchingLong Answer

Standards

D2.His.1.9-12D2.His.3.9-12D2.His.14.9-12

Topics

EnlightenmentHistorySocial StudiesGrade 12Philosophy
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The Enlightenment: Ideas and Impact

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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful, accurate answers based on your knowledge of the Enlightenment period. Remember to support your responses with specific examples or details where appropriate.

1. Which Enlightenment philosopher is best known for advocating for the separation of powers in government?

a

John Locke

b

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

c

Baron de Montesquieu

d

Voltaire

2. The Enlightenment emphasized the use of   and individualism over tradition.

3. John Locke's concept of   greatly influenced the American Declaration of Independence.

4. Adam Smith's work, 'The Wealth of Nations,' promoted the idea of a free market economy, also known as  .

5. Enlightenment thinkers generally supported the idea of absolute monarchy.

T

True

F

False

6. Explain the concept of the 'social contract' as proposed by Enlightenment philosophers. How did it challenge traditional views of government?

Match each Enlightenment figure with their primary contribution or idea.

7. Voltaire

 

a. Advocated for religious tolerance and freedom of speech

8. Mary Wollstonecraft

 

b. Argued for women's rights and education

9. Cesare Beccaria

 

c. Opposed torture and the death penalty

10. Discuss the lasting impact of the Enlightenment on modern political thought and democratic societies. Provide at least two specific examples of how Enlightenment ideas are reflected in contemporary governance or individual rights.