The Age of Enlightment and Its Influence toward the French Revolution

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Enlightenment, which can be defined as a time when philosophers emphasized the use of reason to understand truth as well as the emergence of the belief that the power of human knowledge and reason can improve human society. Its scholars shared a critical style, a commitment to open-mindedness, and hostility to authority. These ideas influenced the conditions that would result in the French Revolution because they gave people the notion that they should have representation in their government. One enlightenment idea that was incorporated into these events was inalienable rights. This was John Locke’s idea of life, liberty, and property for all people. This idea was included in France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man, which was the declaration that guaranteed protection from arbitrary arrest and the approval of the people to taxation. It endorsed free communication of ideas, but with the provision that this freedom was subject to legal restrictions against abuse. Another enlightenment idea was that people had the right to stand up for what they believed in. In the French Revolution, the French people revolted against their government and over-threw the monarchy because of the special treatment (such as tax exemptions and special privileges) given to the nobility and aristocratic classes. This proves that these idea’s were more than just words or philosophies but had real meaning in how people wanted to be treated, governed, and how they desire to live their lives. People would go so far as to risk their own lives and that of their families to ensure that they and future generations could live free and prosper.
I was a peasant in our class bag activity. For me, the most important enlightenment idea we discussed was inal...

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...also made the entire country a better place for the people of France and for the world around France. It made France a better place for culture and progress. But it wasn’t just a success after the revolution. It paved the way for France’s long-term future. Generations after generations following the revolution also benefitted because of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the revolution. Their blood and their lives were a great and worthwhile sacrifice so that their children and their children’s children could live better lives. It also made the history and greatest of their homeland better. France is a place that many people want to visit because of the country it is today. It has had some of the world’s greatest artist, architecture, and historical landmarks, all of which may not have been possible without the revolution of the peasants happening.

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