How Did Rousseau Contribute To The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a period in history in which individuals theorized about what the purpose was for humankind without utilizing religion. It commenced after the ending of the Scientific Revolution and was influenced by it as well. Various ideas and theories were established during this time. Numerous figures helped to reform different ideas and beliefs during the Enlightenment. Figures such as John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau helped to direct the purpose and flourishment of the Enlightenment.

One of the most influential thinkers during the Enlightenment was John Locke. John Locke was the respective founder and main advocate during this time. He published his ideas in his book called Treatise on Government. Locke asked what is the purpose of the government and stated that it was to “protect the natural rights

of citizens (Life, Liberty,Property).” In addition, John Locke believed that the people have the right to overthrow the government if it’s not legitimate or if it is corrupt. John Locke’s ideas eventually were utilized in the grievances filed to King George III. Not only did John Locke’s ideas were used by a future generation, they revolutionized the idea of representative and democratic government. Therefore, John Locke was a major figure during the Enlightenment.

John Locke was more influential than Baron de Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

One reason was John Locke’s ideas were established as viewpoints from the people. He stated that the government duty is to protect the rights of the citizens. However, Montesquieu and Rousseau proposed their ideas in order to equalize power between each branch of government. They also theorized that the government should allow the people to suggest what they should decide. Furthermore, Locke influenced these two other political philosophers to create their theories and they were based off of his ideas as well. Rousseau's ideas stated that sovereignty should be from the people, not from God.Montesquieu’s ideas did not involve the power of the people in government, but the actual balance of power in the government’s system. Rousseau elaborated Locke’s ideas and then established his own ideas. Rousseau and Montesquieu based their beliefs on John Locke’s theories because he originally began developing theories in the context of the government first. Therefore, John Locke was more influential during the Enlightenment than Montesquieu and

Rousseau.

The Enlightenment helped further establish what was the beginning of something different. The radical and somewhat revolutionary theories of Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and others suggested that the government’s system was not reliable nor perfect. Ultimately , multiple people took their ideas into consideration and requested reform in their government. In addition, their ideas caused people in places such as France and Russia to go against their leaders, creating revolutions that would impact their lifestyles. Thus, the figures of the Enlightenment impacted the lives of many people across Europe and the rest of the world.