The Age of Enlightenment sparked a new way of thinking, challenging traditional authority and laying the foundation for modern democracy. With reason as their guide, Enlightenment thinkers reshaped ideas about government and individual rights.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the key philosophers of the Enlightenment, including John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. We’ll examine their revolutionary ideas on natural rights, separation of powers, and freedom of speech, as well as how these ideas influenced revolutions and political change across the world.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Europe's Age of Enlightenment for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.