answersLogoWhite

0

The Enlightenment affected societies mostly in the 18th century, as most historians put its first emergence after the death of Louis XIV in the early 18th century.

Two Enlightenment philosophers have had the most impact: Montesquieu with his trias politica, which immediately influenced the way the US Administration was structured shortly afterwards on its independence; and which today is at the basis of most Western democracies' political structures.

Rousseau's concept of the social contract (' a ruler does not rule by the grace of God but by the consent of the people, and loses his right to rule when he does not act for the good of the people") gave legitimacy to the French Revolution in 1789.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

JordanJordan
Looking for a career mentor? I've seen my fair share of shake-ups.
Chat with Jordan
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran
BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How did the enlightenment affect societies during the 17th and 18th centuries?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp