How did the Enlightenment influence European society and politics?

The Enlightenment fundamentally shifted European society and politics by emphasizing reason and individual rights. Thinkers during this period, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, championed the idea that individuals should have the freedom to think for themselves and question traditional authority. This emphasis on rational thought led to challenges against established institutions, including monarchies and the church, promoting ideas such as democracy, equality, and the social contract.

The belief in individual rights and the importance of reason fostered movements that aimed for political reform and expanded civil liberties. Enlightenment concepts greatly influenced revolutionary movements, such as the American and French Revolutions, exemplifying the desire for political change grounded in the principles of liberty and justice rather than inherited privilege or absolute rule. This shift laid the groundwork for modern democratic states and highlights the profound impact of Enlightenment thinking on the evolution of societal norms and political systems in Europe.