How Did The Enlightenment Affect France

One great example of the effects of the Enlightenment on a nation’s political, social, and economic position is the region of France. Throughout 1600 CE to 1850 CE, France has played a major role in contributing to the growth of the Enlightenment. This is shown as France had one of the highest urban and rich populations, creating philosophers, thinkers, and artists such as but not limiting to Voltaire and Montesquieu. France through this era went through the many revolutions including political, social, and economic. The region advanced its views on science, governance, and social rights as well as growing and becoming the France we know today. The main and most memorable effect of the enlightenment on France was probably the political effect which was idealized in the revival of democratic views and anti-monarchy ideologies in the French Revolution. The French Revolution explained by famous writer Charles Dickens in

Since the French Revolution was fueled by the anger of the common French people much of the political and social factors were tied together. One effect though was the loss of the Bourgeoisie and their lavish lifestyle. As the revolution was strictly against the greed of the higher classes the life of such class was lost after the anarchy had ended. Another development that seemed fairly impressive for the French during this era was the rise of Feminism and women’s rights. This is especially seen during the revolution as many women took on revolutionary roles and aided their fellow French rebels. This is seen in the surprising Women’s March on Versaille, in which a mainly female group armed with weapons and cannons raided Versaille, the king’s palace, and the imperial court. Overall the social developments of France at this time were truly as a result of the broader Enlightenment