The Scientific Revolution encouraged people to think

differently.

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People began to apply the scientific method to history, government, and economics.

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During the 17th and 18th centuries, scholars had such confidence in reason that they believed that they could use it to free people from superstition, poverty, and oppression.

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The importance of reason to this period has caused it to become known as the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason.

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People began to ask questions. They began to criticize the “old ways”.

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Paris became the center of the Enlightenment as French thinkers discussed ways to improve society.

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In Paris, wealthy women invited philosophers to gather in their homes to discuss new ideas.

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These meetings were called salons.

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Philosophers began to discuss religious toleration and religious freedom.

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They began to discuss separation of powers.

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They began to discuss individual rights.

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Once again, ideas changed world history.

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The Age of Reason changed world history.

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