What effect did the Enlightenment have on political thought in Europe?

The Enlightenment significantly transformed political thought in Europe by inspiring revolutionary ideas and democratic principles. This intellectual movement, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasized reason, individualism, and the belief in progress. Philosophers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau challenged traditional frameworks of authority, advocating for concepts such as social contracts, separation of powers, and the rights of individuals.

These ideas laid the groundwork for political revolutions, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, where the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity emerged. The Enlightenment encouraged people to question existing political systems and consider alternatives that prioritized individual rights and collective governance. This shift directly contributed to the formation of modern democratic institutions and the acknowledgment of citizens’ rights, which marked a significant departure from absolute monarchies and feudal systems that dominated prior centuries.