Was the englightenment period a postive or negative influence on europe?

Answer 1

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The Age of Enlightenment is generally thought to have started with the Glorious Revolution in England in 1689 and have ended with The Terror during the French Revolution in 1793.

These were only the political aspects of the Age. At the first date, monarchy in England became constitutional so that parliament was the only authority to pass laws, collect taxes, make war and so on. At the end date, all the reasons for political change in European countries (and in USA) were understood. Democracy and the rights of man were well documented and developing according to various models across the western world.

There were other aspects, notably scientific and economic. The great geographical discoveries of Dampier, Cook et al were being made and the foundations of chemistry, physics and medicine were being laid. The arts had developed in theatre, painting, printing and music towards a "modern" style, quite distinct from rennaisance styles.

All of Europe and the European-based communities in America benefited from the Enlightenment. Unfortunately, it collapsed for a few years during the worst excesses of the French Revolution and the militarist regime of Napoleon Bonaparte. By the time, a new search for knowledge and truth got under way, the 19th century was well advanced and the Age of Power had arrived with steam and steel.

Answer 2

The age of the enlightenment had a positive effect upon the whole of Europe and as far away as the Americas.

The 18thC was a century of major upheaval, revolution and change.

And it does not get any better than this. . .
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