enlightenment revolution

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Reasoning Revolution

The age of enlightenment took place in the 18th century and was thought by many of the period to be long overdue. Spurred by writers wishing to “awaken” the public from their stupor, it was an age of change. Enlightenment writers tackled subjects from inconsistencies in religion to the oppression of women in society. Utilized during the time were many aspects of writing. Inducing a feeling of fear or guilt within a reader and the use of satire was often combined to leave an impression on a reader. Most definitely though the age caused a heightened level of consciousness and awareness amongst the common folk of Europe and the developing Americas.

Heading the age of enlightenment were a group of writers and intellectual thinkers called the philosophes. “Most of the philosophes believed that western civilization was on the verge of enlightenment, that reasoning and education could quickly dispel the darkness of the past that had kept people in a state of immaturity.1” Writers of this period were cunning and courageous. Many were persecuted or even exiled for their works. Most however didn’t directly encourage rebellion but rather reform from the ruler’s influence by their ideas.

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