Question

Which of the following best describes the development of social thought during the period?

Question options:

Rise in Enlightenment philosophies led to liberalism among the masses, while those in power clung to traditional conservative beliefs


Rise in Enlightenment philosophies led to conservatism among the masses, while many clung to socialist beliefs


European monarchs began to practice liberalism, while their subjects embraced socialism


European monarchs outlawed conservatism, while themselves practicing socialism

Answer 1

Assuming this is referring to the era of enlightenment I would choose the first option. The American and French revolutions really displayed the mood of the era as the masses began to believe they had inalienable human rights. John Locke describes these as life, liberty, and property. Rulers were happy with the status quo however as they wanted to maintain autocratic power over the masses.