What Do You Believe Was The Most Significant Change In Polit
1what Do You Believe Was The Most Significant Change In Political Phi
What do you believe was the most significant change in political philosophy between 1450 and 1800, and why? Provide at least one political, one economic, and one religious fact to support your argument. Your essay should be at least 200 words in length.
Identify what you believe was the main factor in shaping new social expectations between 1450 and 1800. Explain your choice through discussion of at least one event, one significant figure, and one expectation. Your essay should be at least 200 words in length.
Paper For Above instruction
The period between 1450 and 1800 was marked by profound transformations in political philosophy, which laid the groundwork for modern political thought and governance. One of the most significant changes during this era was the shift from traditional monarchic and feudal systems to ideas emphasizing individual rights, sovereignty, and the role of the state, exemplified by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke. Locke’s theories of natural rights and the social contract fundamentally challenged the divine right of kings, advocating instead for government based on consent and individual freedoms. This shift not only impacted political structures but also influenced economic and religious spheres.
Economically, the rise of mercantilism and the beginnings of capitalist thought redefined wealth and power dynamics. Mercantilism promoted state control over trade and resources, which reinforced monarchic authority while fostering economic competition among nations. The economic ideology promoted the accumulation of wealth as a measure of national strength, leading to policies that prioritized state interest. Meanwhile, religious changes such as the Reformation significantly altered societal expectations of authority and individual faith. The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, challenged the Catholic Church’s authority, encouraging literacy and personal interpretation of scripture. This religious shift empowered individuals to question religious and political authority, contributing to the broader secularization of society.
In reflecting on these changes, it becomes evident that the Renaissance and subsequent Enlightenment were crucial in shaping modern political and social expectations. The rejection of divine authority in favor of individual rights redefined the relationship between rulers and the ruled. Influential figures like Locke and Luther catalyzed these shifts, fostering an environment where social expectations centered around individual autonomy and questioning traditional authority. This transformation in social and political consciousness profoundly affected subsequent history, laying the foundation for modern democratic societies.
References
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