In France in the 18th century, there was a system called the Ancien Régime, which refers to the societal, economic, and political structure of France before the French Revolution. At the top of the pyramid was the absolute monarch Louis XVI. He acceded to the throne in 1774 and obtained it with problems that could not be resolved. (Overview of the French Revolution 6) Below the king was the first domain consisting of 100,000 nobles. Then came the second power composed of 300,000 clergy. Finally came the third power made up of the rest of France, or 23.5 million inhabitants. 90 percent of these 23.5 million were peasants. Taxes from the third estate ensured the financial well-being of the state, the clergy and the nobility. (Overview of the French Revolution 6) Eventually the inequalities of this system led to a revolution, this revolution was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a period of spectacular intellectual, philosophical, and scientific growth. (Relationship between the Enlightenment and the French Revolution 11) The basis of the Enlightenment lies in the work of people like John Locke, who argued for natural rights, republicanism, limited government, and the social contract. Later philosophers questioned common wisdom and accepted scientific, social, and religious norms. Philosophers were generally critical of absolutism and existing hierarchies. (The relationship between the Enlightenment and the French Revolution remains complex and controversial11) The basic idea of ​​the Enlightenment was the idea of ​​reason. In their scientific reasoning, Enlightenment intellectuals challenged the traditional teachings of Christianity by going against the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. They also advocated religion...... middle of paper ......uh at the beginning of the revolution. He was a horrible leader, which was terrible for the country at that time. The Third Estate was tired of being treated the way it was and the Enlightenment gave peasants ideas of freedom and democratic government. They wanted more power and a real say in government. They were given a tenth for their crops, which caused them to starve. They had difficulty paying for bread, while the other classes were enjoying themselves. Eventually, they began violent revolts. Then, in 1794, Robespierre came to power. He was a horrible ruler, who unjustly killed thousands of men. There were no fair trials and all those suspected were executed. Eventually he was arrested and overthrown, and the new Constitution, with newer ideas, giving people inalienable rights, was published. After a lot of work, sweat and tears, it was obvious they had gotten exactly what they wanted..