The Enlightenment
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The Enlightenment was a movement that began in the 1700s that spread the idea that knowledge, reason and science could improve society. This idea had a huge effect on people and their way of thinking. Those who feared independence of individuals such as those in power, immediately opposed this movement. However, the spread of ideas is inevitable. The movement came from Europe to America and soon flowed through people, newspapers, lectures and organizations.
A few key people played a role in the creation and education of the Enlightenment. Such people were philosophers, writers, politicians and rebels. Two important figures of the time and advocates of the Enlightenment were John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu.
Locke was an English philosopher who strongly believed that all people have a born right to life, liberty and property. This was a very new, revolutionary idea...