A model of the universe in which Earth is at the center of the revolving planets and stars.
Back
Natural Rights
Front
the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property
Back
Secularism
Front
An indifference to religion and a belief that religion should be excluded from civic affairs and public education.
Back
Social Contract
Front
A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.
Back
Scientific Revolution
Front
A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation and the questioning of accepted beliefs.
Back
Enlightenment
Front
A philosophical movement which started in Europe in the 1700's and spread to the colonies. It emphasized reason and the scientific method. Writers of the enlightenment tended to focus on government, ethics, and science, rather than on imagination, emotions, or religion. Many members of the Enlightenment rejected traditional religious beliefs in favor of Deism, which holds that the world is run by natural laws without the direct intervention of God.
Back
Laissez-faire economics
Front
Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.
Back
Haitian Revolution
Front
Toussaint l'Ouverture led this uprising, which in 1790 resulted in the successful overthrow of French colonial rule on this Caribbean island. This revolution set up the first black government in the Western Hemisphere and the world's second democratic republic (after the US). The US was reluctant to give full support to this republic led by former slaves.
Back
Adam Smith
Front
Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economics. Seen today as the father of Capitalism. Wrote On the Wealth of Nations (1776) One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Back
telescope
Front
an instrument that collects electromagnetic radiation from the sky and concentrates it for better observation
Back
American Revolution
Front
This political revolution began with the Declaration of Independence in 1776 where American colonists sought to balance the power between government and the people and protect the rights of citizens in a democracy.
