Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement of the 18Th century characterized by belief in the power of human reason and questioning authority. Many enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau published their ideas on government.


The Enlightenment philosophers influenced change in society because their ideas of democracy and equal rights. For example, Voltaire's belief in freedom of speech and freedom of religion influenced the United States Constitution. Also, their frustration with European monarchies helped inspire the French Revolution.

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