The enlightenment brought upon the age of reason and of questioning. It caused individuals to question what they had known for their entire lives. The enlightenment greatly affected the way individuals viewed their governing body. Until recently, Europeans had lived under absolute monarchies, where citizens had little to no rights and where the monarch had absolute power. Citizens began to realize that they didn't have to be subjected to such a government. They wanted freedom of speech and more basic human rights. The enlightenment led the way to a true democratic government where individuals were chosen by the people they govern, and not chosen by"God".
Enlightenment ideas contributed to a radical change in governments in Europe and America. The thoughts were mainly anchored on the ideas of freedoms and liberties and the concept of government by consent. The ideas challenged traditional government ideas such as an absolute monarchy who was divine ordained. The thoughts were behind the English and American bills of rights, and democratic government in France,USA and Britain.
