Responses to 18th Century Enlightenment and French Revolution Chapter

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 410 words ( 1 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

French Revolution

Enlightenment

The enlightenment was one of the most interesting times in history. In this period there was a considerable amount of philosophical inquiry being devoted to challenging traditional worldviews. Intellectuals began to investigate different forms of state power and questioning what rights people should be given simply because they were human. These were referred to as natural rights and John Locke's version includes the naturally acquired right for everyone to have "life, liberty, and property." These concepts have provided much of the foundation for the same principles that guide the Western world today. The rights that were identified in this period protected the citizens from extreme forms of despotic rule and provided a path for the creation of varying levels self-government in which people began to have a say in the creation and maintenance of authority.

French Revolution

While the enlightenment provided the philosophical frameworks and forms of inquiry that revolutionized thought, the French Revolution is where many of these concepts were largely put into practice.

Stuck Writing Your "Responses to 18th Century Enlightenment and French Revolution" Chapter?

View All Our Example Responses to 18th Century Enlightenment and French Revolution Chapter

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

This was a major social and political shift and previously many of the kings and rulers believed, at least claimed that they derived their power to rule directly from God himself. This was a hard position to overcome in the development of humanity. Challenging someone that believed that their power came directly from God could have severe implications for the challenger. It wasn't until a momentum of rationalism began to take foot that there was enough of a foundation for citizens to begin to question the power of their rulers. However when enough people began to organize themselves and challenge the traditional power structures they were able to create new systems of organization.

Spread of the Enlightenment

Once people began to develop the idea that they could challenge existing thoughts and practices, this type of inquiry spread to all kinds….....

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Responses To 18th Century Enlightenment And French Revolution" (2015, February 14) Retrieved May 14, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/responses-18th-century-enlightenment-french-2148880

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Responses To 18th Century Enlightenment And French Revolution" 14 February 2015. Web.14 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/responses-18th-century-enlightenment-french-2148880>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Responses To 18th Century Enlightenment And French Revolution", 14 February 2015, Accessed.14 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/responses-18th-century-enlightenment-french-2148880
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example