Compare And Contrast The Intellectual Period Of Enlightenment

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, a series of events took place that would lead to a period of reason, understanding and intellect. This period was known as the Enlightenment and is more clearly defined as an international intellectual movement that emphasized the use of reason and the application of the laws of nature to human society. This period came about when the bourgeoisie, a social class consisting of a variety of professions such as merchants, lawyers, skilled artisans and shopkeepers began criticizing the aristocracy. It can be said that the aristocracy was part of the fuel that fed the Enlightenment but events and political methods of the 17th century in European nations also played a role. The intellectual period of enlightenment was influenced by a lack of human rights, various revolutions and rebellions and the constant desire for expansion of land and wealth. Natural rights and freedoms were emphasized by Thomas Paine in several of his writings during the Enlightenment. These rights which are acquired simply by being human were also included in the Declaration of Independence, which mentions “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The widespread and excessive use of slaves during the 1700s likely influenced these ideals. Slave trade was a competitive and cruel aspect of expanding economies. …show more content…
Essentially, each revolt was held a desire for some type of freedom. Rebellions and revolutions were not centralized to one nation, but took place in many including Haiti, North American colonies, Ireland, Venezuela and Argentina. No longer did nations want to be governed by a metropolis that imposed heavy taxes and took advantage of imperial possessions. The ideas of the Enlightenment were those of progress and reform, which was exactly what the revolutions aimed to