AP World History Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The Enlightenment movement was characterized by a strong emphasis on individualism and the use of reason as the primary means for acquiring knowledge and understanding the world. Thinkers of the Enlightenment believed that individuals should think for themselves, rather than simply accepting traditional beliefs or laws imposed by authority figures, such as monarchs or religious institutions. This focus on reason led to the questioning of established doctrines and systems of governance, inspiring ideas about democracy, personal rights, and scientific inquiry.

Moreover, the Enlightenment's advocacy for rational thought over superstition and dogma fostered advancements in philosophy, sociology, and political theory. Prominent figures like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed the role of the individual in shaping society through reasoned discussion and debate. This shift away from communal traditions and established norms to a focus on the rights and abilities of the individual marked a fundamental transformation in European thought and laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles.