What role did Enlightenment ideas play in the French Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas had a profound influence on the French Revolution, primarily by inspiring demands for equality, liberty, and representation. Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged the traditional structures of power and authority, advocating for the rights of individuals and the importance of reason in governance. Their writings encouraged revolutionary thinkers and the populace to question the absolute monarchy and to rally for the establishment of a government that reflected the will of the people.

The demand for equality stemmed from Enlightenment principles that emphasized that all men were born free and equal in rights. This ideology helped to galvanize a wide range of social classes, particularly the Third Estate, which felt oppressed by the existing feudal system and the privileges of the nobility and clergy. Furthermore, the call for representation directly challenged the old regime, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and the eventual Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of Enlightenment thought in relation to the French Revolution. While some might argue that Enlightenment philosophers were critical of religious influence in government, it was not a primary focus of the revolution itself. Instead, the thrust of Enlightenment ideas centered on advocating for