> History by Era> The Enlightenment

An Introduction
This may seem to be an unusual link – an introduction to a University course, with information on lectures and classes. However, contained within this page is an excellent short introduction to the Enlightenment, naming key thinkers and related socio-economic effects.

Text of The Rights of Man
Although associated with the US and the war of independence, Thomas Paine’s The Rights of Man is arguable the most famous single product of the Enlightenment. This site contains a complete text, with the author’s notes.

The Enlightenment
Written by Paul Brains, this essay examines the enlightenment, arguing that the movement’s origins lay several centuries before the 1700’s.

The European Enlightenment
Part of the Washington State University’s excellent World Civilisations site, this page introduces the ideas and events that constituted the enlightenment. The site also has a glossary, a reader and information on related events.