The background to the Enlightenment
I can explain how the Enlightenment challenged the authority of the Church and monarchy.
The background to the Enlightenment
I can explain how the Enlightenment challenged the authority of the Church and monarchy.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The 16th century Scientific Revolution caused people to question the authority of the establishment.
- Immanuel Kant tried explaining the concept of 'enlightenment' in 1784 which gave a name to the movement.
- Kant argued people should use reason and logic to reach conclusions about right and wrong, not follow rules blindly.
- The Enlightenment challenged the established authority of monarchy and the Church.
- The Enlightenment's calls for equality often did not extend beyond white Europeans.
Keywords
Establishment - the groups in positions of authority, such as the Church or monarchy, are known collectively as the establishment
Philosopher - a philosopher is someone who studies deep questions about the universe and human existence
Enlightenment - the Enlightenment was a movement in the 1600s and 1700s that promoted the use of reason and questioned authority
Atheism - atheism is the belief that God or gods do not exist
Legitimacy - the belief that someone has the right to rule and make laws is known as legitimacy
Common misconception
All Enlightenment philosophers were atheists and rejected religion entirely.
Enlightenment philosophers wanted to reshape and redefine the role religion and the Church played in society.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The background to the Enlightenment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The background to the Enlightenment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Enlightenment: what was the Enlightenment? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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