The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire challenged traditional authority and promoted ideas about democracy, freedom, and human rights. This period encouraged people to question established beliefs and seek knowledge through observation and rational thought. During this time, many advancements in philosophy, science, and politics emerged. The ideas of the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democracies and influenced significant events, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution. It was a time when reason was celebrated as a tool for progress and improvement in society.