HST 271L Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Catholic Church, Persian Letters, Montesquieu
Document Summary
Tells the story of 2 noble persian men and their travels through the world. Used his books to make fun of individuals and institutions. Examined states and their regimes; believed in system of checks and balances and separation of powers. Gave preference to legislative branch because in england parliament was comprised of nobles. Liked that the nobility could check the power of a king. Very influential in the first phase of the french revolution. French considered him the father of political science and liberalism. Got an excellent education from a jesuit college, but never became a disciple. Was beaten up by a duke"s servants so he moved away from paris to be away from the police who could censor what he could say. Was about a german optimist that voltaire wanted to. Opposed the influence of the roman catholic church. Contributed to the breakdown of the french absolute monarchy.
