17th-History

=Early 17th Century History and Society =

// The first half of the seventeenth century was a time of bubbling change in every aspect of Western Society; This was the Pre-Renaissance time period, when new ideas that defined the Renaissance Era itself were beginning to take root emerge. Revolutions in every aspect of life, science, politics, art, and society, all germinated in this buzzing age. //

**"Scientifc Revolution"** It was during this time in which great scientists such as Galileo Galilei, Blaise Pascal, and Johannes Kepler began their work and proposed controversial ideas that would become the accepted way of viewing the world. During the early seventeenth century, the mindset of the intelligentsia shifted from interpreting every event or action as a random act of a Divine Being to that of rhyme and reason. People began thinking that events occurred for a reason, and that nature can be defined by specific laws that are decipherable by Man. The laws were what dictated the Universe while the divine being dictated the laws.

**"Political Revolution"** This is when the ideas of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Descartes leak their way into the political arena. They introduce ideas of an individual's potential, and idea that social background and upbringing does not hinder a man's abilities or rights. It was proposed by many key philosophers that man was naturally equal, and every man had the faculties to succeed. It was also here, in the Seventeenth Century that ideas of rule by reason, the right to pursue happiness, resist oppression, and be treated equally under the law came about, many of which are outlined in our constitution today. These proposed ideas were only a few whims in a torrent of political tension; during the early seventeenth century King James I ascended the throne, succeeding Queen Elizabeth. The Queen's style of government was more representative whereas King James was more patriarchal. The considerable freedoms enjoyed under Elizabeth were taken back by James, and caused the poeple to question the style of governance. Though questions had begun to arise under Elizabeth, James' ascent to the throne in 1603 sparked much discontent, politically and religiously. King James was an Irish-born Catholic, succeeding England after a Protestant Queen.

A dramatic shift in artistic style and matter changed drastically in the early sevententh century, in the form of the Boroque Art Movement. Baroque refers to a style of art that portrays an emotionally charged image with passion and intensity, a contrast to the earlie more geometric abstractions. The movement originated in Italy but eminated throughout Europe for over a century.
 * "Artistic Revolution" **

Though political ideas demanded equality for all men, women were very much left out at this point. Seventeenth century society was very patriarchal, and taught women and children to follow their father or husband's every utterance. Women were expected to remain silent, especially in public, chaste, obedient, well-mannered, and exceptionally good at cooking. Children were taught to follow orders, as were servants. It was very popular to write books about how to be a good wife. Very few viewed the patriarchal system as wrong, though a few felt that women should indeed more like companions rather than subservient objects in a marriage. It was during the seventeenth century when questions were being aroused pertaining to such stringent gender roles.
 * "Social Revolution" **

**Some Key People of the Time**
 * __[|Galileo Galilei]__- He was an Italian scientist that discovered that projectiles have a parabolic path, built the first telescope, and proposed that all universal behavior can be defined by statistics, mathematical formulas, and geometry. He also proposed the idea that the Earth revolved around the Sun and not vice versa. He was imprisoned for contradicting the Roman Catholic Church with his ideas of a heliocentric orbit.
 * __[|Blaise Pascal]__- French Mathmatician and Philosopher that invented the syringe, the hydraulic press, as well as other various contributions to science and mathematics. Blaise Pascal was a child prodigy, and today has a unit of pressure named after him.
 * __[|Johannes Kepler]__ - German mathematician and astronomer who discovered that the Earth and planets travel about the sun in elliptical orbits. He gave three fundamental laws of planetary motion. He also did important work in optics and geometry.
 * __[|Thomas Hobbes]__ - British philosopher that believed that people were natually selfish and bad, therefore government had to protect people from themselves. He had many theories on government and society that are still considered today.
 * __[|Johannes Kepler]__ - German mathematician and astronomer who discovered that the Earth and planets travel about the sun in elliptical orbits. He gave three fundamental laws of planetary motion. He also did important work in optics and geometry.
 * __[|Thomas Hobbes]__ - British philosopher that believed that people were natually selfish and bad, therefore government had to protect people from themselves. He had many theories on government and society that are still considered today.
 * __[|Thomas Hobbes]__ - British philosopher that believed that people were natually selfish and bad, therefore government had to protect people from themselves. He had many theories on government and society that are still considered today.

External Links: [|Scientific Discovery Timeline]
 * __[|John Locke]__- A British physician and philosopher that was one of the most influential enlightenment thinkers ever. He believed equality under law, rule by reason, and the fact that people are born with some innate characteristics and that everyone is entitled to the natural right to defend his “Life, health, Liberty, or Possessions" much like the U.S constitution.
 * Scavenger Hunt Questions**

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[] Sources: "Early 17th Century." //Norton Anthology//. 2009. W. W. Norton & Company, Web. 19 Nov 2009. . "The Scientific Revolution of the 17th Century." //gmu.edu//. Web. 15 Nov 2009. .

Robert, Hatch First. "T H E S C I E N T I F I C R E V O L U T I O N ." //Scientific Revolution Homepage//. 2002. University of Florida, Web. 16 Nov 2009. .