Section outline

  • Part 1: THEMATIC FOCUS

    Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
    The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.

    LEARNING OBJECTIVE

    Unit 5: Learning Objective A
    Explain the intellectual and ideological context in which revolutions swept the Atlantic world from 1750 to 1900.

    HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

    KC-5.3.I.A
    Enlightenment philosophies applied new ways of understanding and empiricist approaches to both the natural world and human relationships; they also reexamined the role that religion played in public life and emphasized the importance of reason. Philosophers developed new political ideas about the individual, natural rights, and the social contract.

    KC-5.3.I
    The rise and diffusion of Enlightenment thought that questioned established traditions in all areas of life often preceded revolutions and rebellions against existing governments.

    KC-5.3.II.i
    Nationalism also became a major force shaping the historical development of states and empires.

    Part 2: THEMATIC FOCUS

    Social Interactions and Organization SIO
    The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.

    LEARNING OBJECTIVE

    Unit 5: Learning Objective B
    Explain how the Enlightenment affected societies over time.

    HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

    KC-5.3.I.C
    Enlightenment ideas and religious ideals influenced various reform movements. These reform movements contributed to the expansion of rights, as seen in expanded suffrage, the abolition of slavery, and the end of serfdom.

    KC-5.3.IV.B
    Demands for women’s suffrage and an emergent feminism challenged political and gender hierarchies.