A time when philosophers emphasized reason, analysis and individualism.
Background information
The Enlightenment took place in Western Europe. It started in the 1650s and spanned about 100 years ending in the 1780s. The Enlightenment is also known as the Age of Reason because many Philosophers of that era wrote books about reason and analysis. Some of the people involved in this historical point were philosophers like John Locke, Thomas, Hobbes, Jean-Jaques Rousseau, etc.
enlightenment
Great philosophers understood many people wanted change and did not necessarily know what to believe anymore. So, many of them started writing what they believed in. Thomas Hobbes believed that man was innately cruel and he thought an absolute monarchy was the best government because without with out government man would go to war with each other. Another philosopher, John Locke, believed man was good and democracy was the best form of government. He also believed that man Has three natural rights: life, liberty, and property. Locke thought that government gets its power from men and the job of the government is to protect the natural rights. Montesquieu was another philosopher, his ideals were that laws are sacred and valuable. He believed in separation of the government's power and checks and balances. Philosopher Jean-Jaques Rousseau thought that man is born free and good but society turns man bad. He did not have faith in man to do the right thing. Rousseau also coined the phrase "general will" which is the collectively held will that guides the common good. Another philosopher, Voltaire, believed it doesn't matter how one is born it is what you decide to do with your life that really matters. His ideal government would have been democracy. He also supported freedom of speech and ideas. These philosophers expressed their opinions through writing books and papers which would be read by the common people. Therefore the common people made their own opinions on life, society, government, etc.
causes
European citizens wanted and believed in economic improvement and political. It was prompted by philosophers and regular people in coffee shops and saloons. These talks challenged the authority of institutions that were well known/well trusted in society like the Roman Catholic Church. These regular people would talk about ways to reform government and society with science, reason, and tolerance.
Long term effects
The Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars and revolutions. People started to question their religion and belief system. Others also started to be more tolerant or accepting of new beliefs and religions. According to History.com "European politics, philosophy, science and communications were radically reoriented (during this time)". There was a major increase in literature because of the books and papers being written from the philosophers. Many of the principals of the United States has are adapted from philosophers of the Enlightenment era. The US developed our core beliefs on John Locke's opinion. The US also developed our Congress, President, and Supreme Court on his ideals of checks and balances. The US got the amendment of no cruel and unusual punishment from philosopher Caesar Beccaria. The first amendment of the US is also adapted from Voltaire's belief of freedom of speech. Another effect of this time was Sir Isaac Newton's scientific discoveries of gravity. Throughout this time period numerous wise people have developed theories that have helped make the world the way it is today.