The French Revolution (1789–1799) was driven by a powerful confluence of Enlightenment philosophy, social resentment, and the practical success of the American Revolution. These ideas didn't just exist in books; they provided a "language and logic" for a starving and overtaxed populace to challenge the centuries-old status quo of the . 1. Enlightenment Philosophy: The Intellectual Spark
: Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that a government's authority comes from the "general will" of the people. This shifted the view of the King from a divinely appointed ruler to a public servant who could be replaced if he failed his people. Which Key Ideas Led To The French Revolution
: Baron de Montesquieu proposed dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny—an idea that directly informed the early revolutionary push for a constitutional monarchy. The French Revolution (1789–1799) was driven by a
At the core of the revolution were the ideas of the , who promoted reason and logic over tradition and "divine right". At the core of the revolution were the
: Influenced by John Locke , revolutionaries embraced the idea that all men are born with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property, which no government has the authority to take away. 2. Social Equality vs. The Estate System The 6 Main Causes of the French Revolution - History Hit
