How Did The Enlightenment Dbq

The Enlightenment in Europe began in the early 17th and 18th century. During this time period there were discoveries in science that led to disagreements over religion because people became skeptical about traditional ways of knowing and living. Philosophers tried to discover new ways to improve their society. Three important philosophers who shared a similar idea: John Locke, Voltaire, and Mary Wollstonecraft. These philosophers shared the idea of equality over the people. John Locke was an Englishman who lived during the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution. He lived through the political change in England: an absolute monarchy changing to a Parliament. The Parliament was given all the power after the Bill of Rights was passed. John Locke believes that everyone is in a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, meaning that they should not have a government telling them what to do (doc A). Locke did not agree with either absolute monarchy or the Parliament. Francois-Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire, was a French author in the 18th century. Voltaire was a supporter of religious tolerance. He believes in equality and does not see people differently because of their religion (doc B). Voltaire believed that if the leaders

Locke, Voltaire, and Wollstonecraft stated their belief of the people having equal rights in distinct ways. Locke did not like the idea of the government having all the power that the people should have. Voltaire believed that the religion of a person does not define them; they are all equal despite the religion they practice. Wollstonecraft also wanted equality for the people, but she specifically talked about women and how they should have the same rights as men because they are capable of learning as well. These philosophers wanted one thing, equality, and they thought they could achieve their goal by presenting them in different areas of human