The Enlightenment And The French Revolution

From the beginning of the people's revolt, the French Revolution became one of the most important events to occur in the history of France, and around the world. From the day it began, the question as to what influenced this political uprising has been pondered by many people. Now before the revolution, people were starting to question religion, and were leaning more towards science and rationality to explain things. These people pointed out the absurdities of religion, and the need for the better treatment of a country's citizens. This period of skepticism deserves the name of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement where leaders of single groups shared the same aspirations for change. During this period, people had
This resulted in them revolting against their government and overthrowing it; this was their desire for change. The Enlightenment period was a contributor to the forming of the Abbe Sieyes' “What is the Third Estate?,” the “Tennis Court Oath”, and the “Declaration of the rights of Man and of the Citizen.” This is where the ideas of these philosophers is evident. However, although man of these philosophers aided in the progression of the revolution, the ideas of Rousseau influenced Maximilien Robespierre to halt it during his Reign of
The ideas of this intellectuals were difficult to understand during their own times; however, during the French Revolution the people began to understand what those ideas could help them achieve. (Harvey 473). To these philosophers, these ideas were simple and had the purpose of enlightening their readers, as well as reaching the larger audience so that they could revolutionize the world. These philosopher and their work was like propaganda; they were using their literature to persuade the public into thinking about what they had to say, and eventually following those ideologies. (Harvey 474). Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire were thinkers of the people and this is key in the French revolution because they do an excellent job in motivating them. These three thinkers advocated for the individual to be set free from all unnatural constraints that ruin them. Whether these constraints come from the state, the church or any form of government, they must be abolished from setting the people back. (Harvey 475). Freedom is the key and essential concept that arises from the Enlightenment, and it lies at the heart of the French Revolution. The ideas of the philosophers led for the foundation of the Revolution, and it underlines the fact that the Enlightenment had its basis in a motivational movement of ideas that can be