Western Civilization II / Unit 6 WC2 0527 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Why the Enlightenment Was Disruptive Despite Its Elites
Captions available
The idea
Philosophes rarely attacked the hierarchy they belonged to, and only Rousseau wanted a republic. Yet the thought disrupted: if legitimacy rests on prosperity and fair laws, the people may judge a king's competence; privilege must be deserved; revealed religion was dismissed.
In practice
Ideas became constitutions in America and France.
Where people slip
Disruption beyond intent, the anchor says: and violent upheaval with it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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