Use this History and Western Heritage video entitled The Age of Enlightenment and 18th Century Thought to study The Enlightenment and intellectual developments of the 18th century, undertaken by a relatively small number of thinkers and writers primarily in western Europe. Their work and thoughts set the stage for much of our thinking today about personal freedoms and the reform of existing conditions and institutions. Although the seeds for much of the Enlightenment’s emphasis can be found in the moderate political and social atmosphere of England, France was the heart of the movement. French philosophes, particularly Voltaire and Montesquieu, were pioneers in championing Enlightenment ideas.
Learn about The Age of Enlightenment and 18th Century Thought.