French Revolution Analysis by Asiya Falak

Standing from an unbiased perspective, it is certain that Enlightenment ideals have a significant impact on the thought behind the French Revolution. As proposed by Montesquieu, the theory behind separation of powers becomes attractive when King Louis XV and XVI both fail to respond to the needs of their constituents. The monarchy during the French Revolution has pointed out that absolutism is outdated and cannot support a nation as grand as France. Also, as commented on by Voltaire, Rousseau, and Bayle, religious toleration became necessary, and the forced unity of religion could not be upheld. Thus, with the diversity of religion, society became more secular and valued human reason over religious explanation, excusing the divine right of kings. Also by ways of Social Contract (Doc. 4.5), Rousseau inspires a closer relationship between the king and the peasant class. And further, in the Declaration of Rights of Man, (Doc. 4.3) the inferior class value representation in the government, and women’s representation also start with the Declaration of the Rights of Woman (Doc. 4.6). Basically, enlightenment theories sway the estates’ opinion about the monarchy and help abolish the ineffective and tyrannical absolute monarchy.