The Enlightenment and the Age of Revolutions (1700 – 1900)

The Enlightenment championed reason, science, and individual rights, profoundly influencing modern political thought. This era also saw revolutions that reshaped governance in Europe and the Americas.

• The Enlightenment saw philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocate for reason, liberty, and democratic governance. These ideas fueled revolutionary movements.
• The American Revolution (1775-1783) established the United States as an independent republic, introducing ideas of democracy and individual rights that would inspire other nations.
• The French Revolution (1789-1799) aimed to overthrow the monarchy and establish “liberty, equality, and fraternity.” However, it led to political turmoil, including the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, transforming economies from agrarian to industrial. Innovations in machinery, transportation, and production reshaped urban life, labor, and social structures worldwide.

These changes laid the groundwork for modern political systems and propelled technological progress that would continue into the 20th century.