The Enlightenment was a movement that occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries where people began to open their eyes and try and understand and better their lives. During the Enlightenment people began to put reason and thought into their lives, to understand importance of the individual, to understand the universe and how it works. The people also wanted change and reform. The Enlightenment first took off in Britain and moved its way over to France where multiple philosophers would emerge.
The foundations of the Enlightenment rested on reason, nature, happiness, progress, and liberty. These all the main points that philosophers wanted the people to know. One of the most influential philosophers who emerged out of France was Jean-Jacque Rousseau, whose book is read by Marie in the garden of Petit Trianon (the house given to her by Louis). Rousseau believed in individual freedom meaning that all men are born equal.
Another event that set the Revolution in motion was the American Revolution. In 1995 America decided to break away from England and become its own country. France aided America, by sending soldiers, mainly to show Europe (England) that they are a mighty force that should not be taken lightly. Aiding America ended up costing more than France could afford which led to them wanted to raise taxes and start taxing the