The Enlightenment

The Age of Reason, also well known as the Enlightenment Period had a big impact on history, without the Enlightenment period society wouldn’t be the way it is today. The Enlightenment period ranged from about the late 17th and 18th century, in Europe. As the Enlightenment period took place many great thinkers emerged to share what they had to say such as Voltaire, Locke, and Smith, they brought new and improved ideas and philosophies to society that changed the way society worked. A main idea these incredible thinkers had was freedom they all had different ideas but in one way or another all their ideas tied into freedom. By examining government, religion, and economics it is evident that freedom is necessary for a strong society, demonstrating …show more content…
During the Enlightenment Period it was shown how religion influenced freedom it was evident that Philosophers felt that it wasn’t good idea to just have one religion it was better in fact to have more than two religions in societies. Voltaire an Enlightenment Philosopher believed that if 1 religion would lead to dictatorship and that would lead to a theocracy (Document B). He also believed that two religions would cause people fighting over religious beliefs which could lead to a civil war but, three or more religions would bring peace and have a strong unified society with many people coexisting as one strong society (Document B). Since, Voltaire believed in the separation of church and state (Document B). This was an important idea because if the religious leader was the same as the head of government it would not be the best fit in creating a strong society because it wouldn’t be giving people freedoms. Luckily the Enlightenment philosopher such as Voltaire influenced societies in being freedom of …show more content…
Government was very important during the Enlightenment period because it helped show how if people are free in their society then they can be active members of government, the Enlightenment thinkers view on government influenced the United States Declaration of Independence. Along with government, religion is a huge reason why the Enlightenment thinkers influenced freedom and independence in a society it shows that the head of the church shouldn’t be head of state and shouldn’t be able to dictate what religion people follow. Lastly, Women's rights and influenced freedoms and independents of everyone in society, so everyone contribute in society freely and actively. The Enlightenment thinkers have influenced today’s society in the United States. It had a major impact on the United States morals, such as everyone is free to believe what they want, women are equally as free as men, and everyone has natural rights. Without the Enlightenment thinkers the people in today's society would not be as free and independent as they are

Show More