Main Idea: Enlightenment ideas spread through the Western
world and profoundly influenced the arts and government.
III. Spread of Enlightenment Ideas
A.
World of Ideas
a.
Salons: Philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, and
others gather regularly to discuss new ideas
b.
Diderot creates an encyclopedia containing current ideas
about science, art, and government
c.
Enlightenment ideas spread to intellectuals and the middle
class throughout Europe
B.
Art & Literature
a.
Baroque: grand, ornate style dominated the 1600s-early
1700s
i.
Composers: Bach, Handel
ii.
Artists used rich color, detail, and ornate imagery
b.
Neoclassical: simple and elegant dominate late 1700s. It
borrows ideas from classical Greece & Rome
i.
Composers: Haydn, Beethoven, & Mozart
c.
Novels presenting entertaining stories written in everyday
English appeal to the middle class
C.
Enlightenment & Monarchy
a.
Enlightened Despot: enlightened absolute ruler—monarchs who
embraced new ideas and made reforms reflecting the Enlightenment spirit
b.
Frederick II of Prussia (Frederick the Great): announces
that his goal is to serve & strengthen his country
c.
In Austria, Joseph II’s radical reforms include freedom of
worship and the end of serfdom
d.
Catherine the Great of Russia makes limited reforms, which
she later revokes after a massive uprising by serfs; most admired by
philosophes
i.
Catherine vastly enlarges the Russian Empire and wins a
warm-weather port for her country