The ideas of the Enlightenment began in Europe, but they were acted upon in the American colonies. See how the philosophies of John Locke and Rousseau influenced the thoughts and actions of Puritan clergy and political figures like...

Dig into philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's ideas and see how they've influenced those that have followed in their footsteps.

This site presents an abstract of the social contract tradition. It also contains a very detailed overview of the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.

English philosopher, concerned with natural rights and justifying the revolution.

A 17th-century English philosopher. He developed the Lockean social contract, which included the ideas of a state of nature. He was also the first to fully develop the idea of tabula rasa.

Regarded as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal opened for business on August 15, 1914. America's ingenuity and innovation had triumphed over insurmountable odds. PBS brings us this incredible story via online...

The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...

What happens when rights conflict? Explore sample conflicts: Free press vs. fair trial, religious rights in conflict, and Singapore: model society or city of fear? Great learning activities and lesson plans for teachers and students.

This lesson introduces students to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the end of the lesson, students...

In this instructional activity, 11th graders examine the events and political philosophy that laid the foundations of the American government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They also look at what role religion played in...

Describes the three expeditions organized by Sir Walter Raleigh to establish an English colony on Roanoke Island. The last group of colonists who settled there in 1587 disappeared and their fate is still not known for certain.

Discover how writers of the 17th and 18th centuries used satire and humour to address issues around politics and power, inequality and class, gender and marriage - as well as to entertain readers and audiences.

Enlightenment ideology, which placed reason and argumentation in the focus of investigation and man in its center, was most prominent in shaping the political thinking and discourse of the period. The views of most revolutionary leaders,...

Follow the steps that Americans took before declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence set out the ideals and reasons behind this stunning move. Use the student exercises to understand the different levels...

Looks at the significant events and decisions of the First and Second Continental Congresses that piloted the movement towards self-government.

As governments form and change over time, they look to political philosophers to answer important questions about governance. This text set covers some of the world's most influential political thinkers. This collection includes 10...

Joseph Butler (May 18, 1692 O.S. - June 16, 1752) was an English bishop, theologian, apologist, and philosopher. He is known, among other things, for his critique of Thomas Hobbes's egoism and John Locke's theory of personal identity....

This essay discusses the cultural influence of the Methodist movement. The author theorizes that this factor may have had more impact on England's literary ideas than that of enhancing or neutralizing the revolutionary fervor of the...

[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart covers everything from The Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea Party and even more. It also provides an assessment.

A brief definition is provided about English empiricism as developed in the Victorian age. Several links are provided for additional information on related subjects.