What was a significant change in the social structure of Europe during the Enlightenment?

During the Enlightenment, a significant change in the social structure of Europe was the promotion of ideas about individual rights and personal freedoms. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau challenged traditional authority and advocated for the inherent rights of individuals, including liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas laid the groundwork for modern democracy and inspired revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, which emphasized the importance of individual citizens' rights against tyrannical governments.

The Enlightenment period marked a departure from the established hierarchical social orders dominated by absolute monarchies and relentless class distinctions. Instead of reinforcing these systems, Enlightenment philosophers encouraged a worldview centered on reason, scientific inquiry, and the belief that all individuals are entitled to certain rights. This shift not only altered the political landscape but also significantly influenced social relations, promoting notions of citizenship and participation in governance that were previously unheard of in feudal societies.

Consequently, the impact of these Enlightenment ideals resonated far beyond their time, shaping modern democratic values that continue to advocate for individual rights and freedoms in contemporary society.