DBQ: The Scientific Revolution

Between 1500 and 1700, scientists created a new picture of what the universe is. This was known as the scientific revolution. Scientists used mathematics, performed experiments, and observed nature to form new ideas about the world. Although scientists of the 16th and 17th centuries faced set backs due to gender relations, political opposition, and church disagreement, they were still able to create these new ideas and theories.
During the 16th and 17th centuries it was important for the women to stay at home and raise a family while the men worked outside of the home. This caused a stigma against female workers. Women were also often excluded from going to universities and getting an education. As seen in document 9, Margaret Cavendish expressed her exclusion
Document 5 showcases how nobles influenced what was published by natural philosophers. Marin Mersenne stated that if his patron did not like his findings, he would remove it. Natural philosophers wouldn't be able to do what they did without somebody finding their work. Thomas Hobbes agreed in document 7, suggesting that if the natural philosophers discovered something their politicians disagreed with, their work would be no longer funded. This suggests a political censorship of the sciences, allowing for politicians to make the citizens of their country to believe only what they want them to believe. Nevertheless, politicians and royalty admired the sciences and wanted to know more. Document 10 illustrates how Louis XIV was intrigued by the ideas the students at the French Royal Academy shared with him. This academy was most likely funded by prominent politicians in the French government. Without political patrons funding the natural philosophers’ work, there would be no work done. It was important for politicians to know about what these natural philosophers were doing, because it could pose a threat to their political