Skip to the main content
BritWise — Life in the UK Test Practice
Start free test
Chapter 3 · A long and illustrious history

Life in the UK test questions on the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a period when new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed, and Scotland was one of its centres. Adam Smith wrote about economics and David Hume about human nature. Many Enlightenment thinkers argued that everyone should be free to hold their own political and religious beliefs, and that the state should not interfere.

Below are 3 free questions on the Enlightenment, taken from handbook section 3.12. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise the Enlightenment

Questions
3
Time limit
No limit
Pass mark
3 of 3 (75%)
How do you want to practise?

Questions and answers on the Enlightenment

The same 3 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. In which century did the Enlightenment take place?

    • The 18th century — correct answer
    • The 19th century
    • The 20th century
    • The 16th century

    The Enlightenment happened during the 18th century. It was a period of new ideas about politics, philosophy and science. Handbook section 3.12.

  2. 2. Many leading Enlightenment thinkers in Britain came from which country?

    • Ireland
    • Cornwall
    • Scotland — correct answer
    • Wales

    Many of the great thinkers of the Enlightenment were Scottish. Edinburgh and Glasgow were important centres of new ideas. Handbook section 3.12.

  3. 3. What was one of the most important principles of the Enlightenment?

    • That everyone should have the right to their own political and religious beliefs — correct answer
    • That the state should choose everyone's religion
    • That only nobles should own property
    • That kings rule by the will of God alone

    Enlightenment thinkers argued that everyone should be free to hold their own political and religious beliefs, and that the state should not dictate them. Handbook section 3.12.

9 more questions on the Enlightenment

You have just read all 3 free questions we publish on the Enlightenment, answers and explanations included. Full access adds 9 more on this topic alone, plus the rest of the bank and practice that comes back to whatever you keep getting wrong.

One payment of £11.99, yours for good. No subscription, and the free questions above stay free.

See what full access includes — £11.99 once