Question

transcript: the age of enlightenment began in europe in the late 17th century. it would bring about fundamental changes in the way the world was understood and how societies were organized. until then, the church had dictated told people what to think and how to live. dissent disagreeing with those in power was punished even by death. but with the enlightenment, people began to embrace new ideas about freedom of expression and new rational methods to investigate the world. in england, newton made the foundations of science as we know it by showing that the universe was governed by physical laws that could be discovered using observation and reason. in philosophy, enlightenment thinkers like voltaire and diderot argued that man, not god, was at the center of the world. ideas were beginning to change, but in the 18th century most of europe was still ruled by absolute monarchs. empowered by enlightenment thinking in both europe and america, people began to demand real change. 1. based on the video and transcript, what organization had the most influence on how people in europe lived and what they thought? 2. what changes came about as a result of the enlightenment?

Explanation:

Question 1

The Enlightenment introduced scientific (Newton's work) and rational methods, shifting focus from God to human (Voltaire, Diderot's ideas). Socially, dissent was less punished, and people embraced freedom of expression. Politically, in Europe (still under absolute monarchs), Enlightenment thinking empowered people to demand change, while in America, it likely fueled revolutionary ideas. The organization (church, monarchy) that most influenced life was challenged: the church’s dictation over thought/life was reduced, and absolute monarchies faced growing demands for change due to Enlightenment - inspired ideas of human - centered rationality and freedom.

Intellectually, scientific/rational thinking (Newton’s methods, Enlightenment philosophy) replaced church - dominated thought. Socially, freedom of expression was embraced, and dissent was less suppressed. Politically, in Europe, demands for change against absolute monarchies grew (eventually leading to revolutions like French Revolution), and in America, it inspired the American Revolution. Culturally, human - centered ideas (man at world’s center) reshaped art/literature. Societies moved from religious/church - led organization to more secular, rational, and democratic - leaning structures, with people gaining more agency in thought and governance.

Answer:

The church (dictating thought/life) and absolute monarchies (ruling Europe) had major influence. Enlightenment shifted focus to human - centered rationality (Newton’s science, Voltaire/Diderot’s philosophy), promoted freedom of expression, reduced church’s control over thought, and empowered people to demand political change (e.g., against absolute monarchs).

Question 2