This essay is about the French Revolution. It breifly describes the events of the French Revolution. It compares the goals of the Revolution to the values of the Enlightenment.

Essay by ItsmeKG88High School, 10th gradeA, January 2004

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The Enlightenment and French Revolution were both turning points in European history. The Enlightenment marked a change in religion, science, philosophy, and government. The French Revolution also marked a change many of the aspects of French life and society. The Enlightenment greatly influenced the changes implemented in the French Revolution.

The Enlightenment is a period in history during the eighteenth century, when the western world emerged into a new age filled with new ideas on everything. Political, military, scientific, religious, diplomatic, and philosophical thought all changed during the Enlightenment.

"Changing social morals marked the beginning of the Enlightenment, as individualism, relativism, and rationalism gained widespread adherence

in the wake of the Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, the

weakening of traditional religion, and the decline of monarchical rule." (Manuel 6)

A strong push for natural rights was made during the Enlightenment. Many people felt that the days of absolute monarchs needed to come to an end.

They wanted a say in the government and a constitution guaranteeing them their rights. People also became aware that they were paying taxes to support the lavish and expensive lifestyles of the nobles and monarchs. They felt that they shouldn't have to pay for something that they didn't benefit from. Another major goal of many people during the Enlightenment was freedom. People wanted freedom of religion, freedom to own land, and freedom to spend their money the way they pleased.

A big part of the Enlightenment took place in France. Many new ideas were produced by the philosophes, French philosophers. Many of the ideas that the philosophes came up with were discussed coffee houses throughout the nation. Many members of the middle class started to read philosophical works. French salons were the forum for Enlightenment discussions for the upper class. Many things including...