Enlightenment

     The success of the American revolution caused people to believe that the same thing could happen in their country. French citizens started talking amongst themselves about things like a country run by the people, equality for every human being and a society free from segregation by social hierarchies. As well, a big idea that came forward was to get rid of the absolute monarchy and introduce a more democratic way of government. There were several key influential people involved with the enlightenment. Adam Smith helped spread word about new ideas. He talked about having a Lassez- Faire economy with limited government control. He believed that the economy would grow on its own and that it would take care of itself. Montesquieu brought forward the idea that the government should be split into three divisions, judicial, executive and legislative to prevent despotism. He also wrote the book spirit of the laws. Voltaire fought for freedom of speech. He believed in religious freedom and denounced censorship and said "I disapprove of what you say but i will defend to your death your right to say it." Rousseau believed in democratic freedom and that people should be allowed to choose their government and then to change it. He believed the will of the majority should win.

     As people started to talk about these ideas, they began to desire them. Soon people embraced these new ways of thinking and wanted them to be a part of how the country ran. This led to the government collapsing and being rebuilt by the people, the monarchy being disbanded, more economic freedom, and the social hierarchy removed. A constitution was written setting the stage for the future of France. The Declaration of the rights of man established basic human rights for all people living in France. The ideas that came from the enlightenment changed France's society and how the country was run. Now peasants could start businesses, become wealthy, and be involved with politics.They were no longer "kept prisoners in their own homes".

This is a picture of people gathering together to talk amongst themselves and bringing new ideas to discuss.
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