How did different groups respond to Enlightenment ideas? Consider the roles of class and gender

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
a. Most people found appealing the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, progress, and toleration.
b Monarchs implemented reforms inspired by Enlightenment ideals, although they rejected those such as liberty and equality that threatened the political and social order.
c. The aristocracy was drawn to the Enlightenment's assault on absolute monarchy; they patronized writers and scientists.
d. The bourgeoisie were influenced by Enlightenment ideas to demand political change.
e. The American revolutionaries drew from Enlightenment discourse to justify their independence struggle and to create the political foundations for a new government.
f. The French revolutionaries drew from the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers to overthrow the Old Regime and experiment with new political arrangements.
g. Women used the Enlightenment ideal of equality to push for equal education for girls.