How did the Enlightenment lead to revolutionary movements in Europe?

The Enlightenment played a crucial role in the development of revolutionary movements in Europe by inspiring demands for more democratic governance. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau introduced ideas centered around rights, liberty, and the social contract, advocating for the belief that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and should protect individual freedoms. This philosophical shift encouraged people to question the absolute monarchies and traditional hierarchies that dominated Europe at the time.

As Enlightenment ideas spread, they motivated various groups to challenge the status quo and push for political reform, greater representation, and civil rights. For example, the French Revolution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thought, leading to a shift away from monarchy and towards a system that recognized individual liberties and sought to empower the populace. This revolutionary spirit, fueled by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, equality, and justice, laid the groundwork for subsequent democratic movements across Europe.