Lesson 83 of 84 · World History
⭐ 30 XP🏰 History KeepThe Enlightenment: New Ideas
The Enlightenment, occurring in the 17th and 18th centuries, was an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.
🎯 Your mission
Be a history detective — read between the dates.
⚡ The twist
History is written by the winners — keep asking what's missing.
Mind = Blown
🤯 The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be torn down after 20 years.
Then & Now
🕰️ This still shapes laws, borders, and even your school today.
The Enlightenment, occurring in the 17th and 18th centuries, was an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenged traditional beliefs about government, religion, and society, advocating for the idea that individuals possess natural rights and should have a say in their governance. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and inspired revolutions worldwide, promoting ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that continue to resonate today.
Key Facts
John Locke argued for natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.
Voltaire was a prominent advocate for freedom of speech and separation of church and state.
The Enlightenment influenced revolutionary movements in America and France.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What was a key idea proposed by John Locke during the Enlightenment?
Why this still matters
Every road sign, every flag, every holiday — there's history hiding inside.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Ask a grown-up what the world looked like when they were your age.
For the dinner table
“What's something from history you wish you could see in person?”
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