The European Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant challenged traditional authority and promoted ideas about democracy, liberty, and human progress. This period encouraged critical thinking and skepticism towards established norms, leading to significant social and political changes. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic societies and influenced various fields, including philosophy, politics, and education. It also inspired movements such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, which sought to implement Enlightenment ideals in governance and society.