In the mid-1500s scholars launched a change in the European thought, known as the

Scientific Revolution. The Scientific Revolution was a new way of thinking about the
natural world. This way of thinking was based on observations and experimentation.
The Scientific Revolution encouraged scholars and philosophers to rethink more
aspects of society. It was a time of new discoveries and significant advances that changed
the European world. The Scientific Revolution revealed new theories that changed
European beliefs.
The Scientific Revolution was filled with many new discoveries and ideas from many
inspirational scientists such as, Galileo Galilei who made significant advances in
astronomy, and Isaac Newton who worked on perfecting the laws of motion. All the great
revolutionary advances in science influenced Europe. The Scientific Revolution in Europe
produced a large flow of discoveries that changed European thought. These discoveries
were in astronomy, optics, science of motion, mathematics, and the field of physics. To
prove these discoveries, scientists used the scientific method which helped establish
facts. The Scientific Revolution shifted away from religious beliefs and focused more on
the scientific and mathematical facts. The achievements of the Scientific Revolution
spurred the Age of Enlightenment.
The Enlightenment was a new intelligent movement that stressed reason and
thought and the power of individuals to solve problems.The Enlightenment caused
significant changes throughout Europe. It was lead by Philosophers such as Voltaire, John
Locke, Montesquieu and Rousseau. These men spread their ideas and challenged the
basic ideas of society.
After the Scientific revolution, Scientific knowledge was expanding. Through te
Enlightenment, Scientists were able to make new discoveries in mechanics, physics,
biology, and chemistry. Another key change that happened during the Enlightenment
was the challenging of religion. Before the Enlightenment, people accepted things they
didn't understand as acts of god. During the Enlightenment, Scientists began to
understand these things and prove mathematically they weren't necessarily the work of
god.
The Enlightenment also had a political impact on Europe. One major thinker, Rousseau
produced a theory of republican government, but the majority of Enlightenment thinkers
accepted a monarchy.
The Enlightenment was based on ideas and work of early Philosophers. In Europe, the
Enlightenment can be known as a period of time of advancement in thought.
 Another key change that happened during the Enlightenment was the challenging of
religion. Before the Enlightenment, people accepted things they didn't understand as
acts of god. During the Enlightenment, Scientists began to understand these things and
prove mathematically they weren't necessarily the work of god.
The Enlightenment also had a political impact on Europe. One major thinker, Rousseau
produced a theory of republican government, but the majority of Enlightenment thinkers
accepted a monarchy. The Enlightenment was based on ideas and work of early
Philosophers.
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790s with the ascent
of Napoleon Bonaparte. During this period, French citizens razed and redesigned
their countrys political landscape, uprooting centuries-old institutions such as
absolute monarchy and the feudal system. Like the American Revolution before it,
the French Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideals, particularly the
concepts of popular sovereignty and inalienable rights. The movement played a
critical role in shaping modern nations by showing the world the power inherent in
the will of the people. Frances involvement in the American Revolution and
extravagant spending by King Louis XVI left the country on the brink of bankruptcy.
Two decades of poor cereal harvests, drought, cattle disease and skyrocketing bread
prices had kindled unrest among peasants and the urban poor. Many expressed their
desperation and resentment toward a regime that imposed heavy taxes yet failed to
provide relief by rioting, looting and striking.
Of the three historical events I would say the enlightenment had the biggest
effect on Europe, because it catapulted the people to thinking a different way. It
encouraged the people and gave them a voice and helped them to stand and
demand rights they would not have had it never happened.