The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, leading to significant advancements in science, politics, and philosophy. Key figures included Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, who championed ideas of liberty and human rights. This period laid the groundwork for modern democratic societies and influenced revolutions, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The Enlightenment encouraged people to question established norms and seek knowledge through reason, ultimately shaping contemporary thought and governance.