What was one effect of the Enlightenment on the French people?

The Enlightenment profoundly influenced the French people by fostering a yearning for freedom, which was a significant departure from the existing social and political structures. Philosophers during this period, such as Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, emphasized concepts like individual rights, liberty, and the social contract. Their ideas inspired citizens to question the authority of the monarchy and the rigidity of social hierarchies, leading to widespread calls for liberty and equality.

The period also encouraged critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge, empowering people to envision a society free from oppression. This intellectual awakening was crucial in setting the stage for revolutionary sentiments that ultimately culminated in events like the French Revolution, where the cry for freedom and the rise of democratic ideals took center stage. The yearning for freedom during the Enlightenment was not just a philosophical shift but became a driving force for social change in France.