The ideas of the Enlightenment played a major role in inspiring the French Revolution, which began in 1789 and emphasized the rights of common men as opposed to the exclusive rights of the elites. As such, they laid the foundation for modern, rational, democratic societies. Enlightenment ideas had a significant impact on the government of France. The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and philosophical growth that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Many Enlightenment thinkers believed that government should be based on the consent of the governed and that individuals had certain natural rights that could not be taken away by the government. These ideas helped to inspire the French Revolution, which overthrew the absolute monarchy and established a democratic republic. The French Revolution also resulted in the adoption of a new constitution, which emphasized individual rights, popular sovereignty, and the separation of powers. The Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity helped to shape the modern French state and continue to influence French politics and culture today.