What was the most significant effect of the Enlightenment on European society?

The most significant effect of the Enlightenment on European society was the shift towards rationalism, liberty, and constitutional government, challenging traditional power structures and fostering revolutionary movements. It also spurred scientific and economic progress, albeit with complex consequences, including intensified warfare and continued inequality.

Explanation:

The most significant effect of the Enlightenment on European society was the profound shift in political thought and the consequent societal changes that emerged. Through the propagation of ideals such as liberty, rights, and the rejection of tyranny, Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau, ushered in a new era of questioning and reform that challenged the traditional structures of power and governance. Liberty, rationalism, and constitutional government were key themes that inspired a wave of revolutionary movements, culminating in monumental events such as the French Revolution, which directly challenged the divine right of monarchs and set the stage for modern democratic governance.

Furthermore, the Enlightenment emphasized the importance of reason and scientific inquiry, laying the groundwork for significant advancements in science and technology. This period of intellectual ferment fueled the Industrial Revolution, facilitating unprecedented economic development and social change. However, it also had darker consequences, such as intensified warfare and the persistence of slavery and colonial exploitation despite the proclaimed ideals of freedom and equality. The Enlightenment's legacy is thus a complex tapestry of progress and contradiction, shaping the contours of modernity.