Understanding the Enlightenment in IB History
In IB History, the Enlightenment refers to an intellectual and philosophical movement in 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights over tradition and religious authority.
Known as the “Age of Reason,” it laid the foundations for modern democracy, secularism, and human rights — making it essential background for IB History topics such as Revolutions, Liberalism, and Human Rights Movements.
Historical Context | The Roots of the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment emerged in the late 1600s and 1700s, building upon earlier developments like:
- The Scientific Revolution: Discoveries by Galileo, Newton, and Kepler promoted rational observation and experimentation.
- Renaissance humanism: Encouraged focus on human potential and classical learning.
- Religious wars and absolutism: Led thinkers to question authority and search for universal principles of reason and justice.
By the 18th century, European intellectuals known as philosophes sought to reform society through knowledge, tolerance, and progress.
Key Enlightenment Thinkers | IB History Essentials
IB students must know major philosophers and their ideas, as they underpin later revolutions and political systems.
1. John Locke (1632–1704)
- Advocated natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
- Believed government exists to protect these rights and can be overthrown if it fails.
- Influenced the American Declaration of Independence and French Revolution.
2. Voltaire (1694–1778)
- Criticized the Church and absolute monarchy.
- Defended freedom of speech and religion.
- Famously said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
- Proposed the idea of a social contract between citizens and their government.
- Advocated popular sovereignty — the belief that legitimate power comes from the people.
4. Montesquieu (1689–1755)
- Introduced the concept of separation of powers in government.
- His ideas influenced the U.S. Constitution and modern democracies.
5. Denis Diderot and Mary Wollstonecraft
- Diderot compiled the Encyclopédie, promoting rational thought and scientific understanding.
- Wollstonecraft argued for women’s equality in education and society.
These thinkers’ writings are primary sources often used in IB History essays and document analysis questions.
Major Themes of the Enlightenment | IB Conceptual Links
- Reason over superstition – Promoted scientific inquiry and rational thought.
- Individual freedom – Advocated liberty, equality, and property rights.
- Progress and reform – Belief that human society could improve through knowledge and education.
- Secularism – Separation of church and state in governance.
These ideas directly inspired revolutionary movements across Europe and the Americas.
Effects of the Enlightenment | IB Evaluation Framework
The Enlightenment had far-reaching consequences that IB students should analyze across social, political, and cultural dimensions:
1. Political Change
- Inspired revolutions such as the American (1776) and French (1789) revolutions.
- Encouraged the creation of constitutions, parliaments, and human rights charters.
2. Social and Cultural Impact
- Challenged feudal hierarchies and absolute monarchies.
- Expanded literacy and education through new publishing industries.
- Advanced debates on gender, slavery, and religious freedom.
3. Long-Term Legacy
- Formed the intellectual basis for liberal democracy and modern human rights.
- Influenced later reformers, including abolitionists, feminists, and nationalists.
The Enlightenment in IB History Essays
IB students are expected to:
- Explain how Enlightenment ideas challenged established systems.
- Evaluate the connection between Enlightenment thought and revolutionary change.
- Incorporate primary sources from philosophers to support arguments.
Through RevisionDojo’s IB History course, students can explore philosopher summaries, revolution timelines, and essay-building guides tailored to IB Paper 2 and 3 expectations.
FAQs
What was the Enlightenment in IB History terms?
An 18th-century movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights that transformed European politics and philosophy.
Which Enlightenment thinkers are most important for IB exams?
John Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Wollstonecraft — all essential to understanding revolutions and human rights development.
How did the Enlightenment influence revolutions?
It inspired people to challenge monarchy and injustice, leading to democratic revolutions and new systems of government.
