How did the ideals of the Enlightenment influence capitalism in Europe?

The correct answer highlights how the Enlightenment ideals significantly contributed to the development of capitalism in Europe by fostering individualism and advocating for free market concepts. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Adam Smith, and others, emphasized the importance of individual rights, personal liberty, and the role of the individual in economic activities. They argued that individuals pursuing their self-interests in a competitive market would lead to economic prosperity and innovation, which aligns perfectly with the principles of capitalism.

This philosophical shift encouraged people to engage in entrepreneurial activities and to invest in businesses, promoting economic growth and a market-driven economy. The promotion of free trade, the reduction of mercantilist policies, and an emphasis on competition were critical to the capitalist system flourishing in Europe. Through these ideas, the Enlightenment laid the intellectual groundwork that would enable the rise of modern capitalist frameworks, focusing on economic freedom and individual economic agency.