... as a absolute monarch, the formation of social classes, French support of the American Revolution, Financial burdens, and the Age of Enlightenment. Perhaps the most important factor was the different social classes and the impact and control that the higher classes had on the government. The people of France were divided into three basic classes or estates. The first estate consisted of the clergy. The second consisted of the nobility, while the third estate consisted of the Bourgeoisie, the city workers and the peasants. A Frenchmen's estate ... had a direct impact on his rights. The f...

• Word Count: 808
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... view of human rationality as being in harmony with the universe created a hospitable climate for the laissez-faire economics of Adam Smith and for the utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham. Historical writing gained secular detachment in the work of Edward Gibbon. 5 In Germany the universities became centers of the Enlightenment (Ger. Aufklãrung). Moses Mendelssohn set forth a doctrine of rational progress; G. E. Lessing advanced a natural religion of morality; Johann Herder developed a philosophy of cultural nationalism. The supreme importance of the ... individual formed the basis of the ...

• Word Count: 9269
• Approx Pages: 37

... , nor can possibly be, absolutely arbitrary over the lives and fortunes of the people"(Locke). Locke believed that the power of the state is limited and cannot be used arbitrarily. Louis was not an enlightened despot because he ruled with the belief that he held absolute power over his subjects. The Enlightenment emphasized the importance of utilitarianism, implementing policies that bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. A 1688 painting shows Louis being ... wheeled around the garden by his courtiers (Document 6). Louis lived an extravagant lifestyle and showered priv...

• Word Count: 508
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... Revolution were causing changes in art and literature. Artists had begin to reject the cold, impersonal nature of Enlightenment rationalism and of industrial production. Their art began to reflect both the positive and negative aspects of the working environment. Romanticism Beginning in the late 1700s, artists and writers had begun to emphasize the importance of emotions and nature. They intended to enjoy natural beauty and mystery, as well as exploring fantasy ... and chivalry. They also emphasized theimportance of the individual. The novel The novel became widely popular during the 1...

• Word Count: 1744
• Approx Pages: 7

... listen to what they had to say, he did not. He instead ordered new loan edits registered without giving parliament a chance to be heard. When the king's own cousin, the duke of Orleans stated that it was illegal to do so, the king replied, "That is of no importance to me...it is legal because I will it." # It was that statement that made others recognize that ... windows in order to pay less. Finally, he expanded the number of other taxed-based entities such as salt, tobacco, and liquor. Any goods brought into a town of more than 500,000 people were also taxed. This system quickly helpe...

• Word Count: 2705
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School