How Did Enlightenment Philosopher Voltaire Influence French Government?

Updated: April 06, 2023
Voltaire was an outspoken critic of the French government and developed a following among the people. After the French Revolution, Voltaire's ideas about government helped shape the new government that was formed.
Detailed answer:

Voltaire was an outspoken critic of the French government and developed a following among the people. After the French Revolution, Voltaire’s ideas about government helped shape the new government that was formed.

Philosopher influenced French politics through his writings and essays. He criticized the government for its intolerance towards religious minorities and women. He also criticized the Catholic Church for its corruption and greed.

Voltaire’s works made him popular with common people because they showed them a different way of looking at things than what they were taught by their parents and church leaders. He introduced them to new ideas such as freedom of religion and thought, equality between men and women, civil rights for all citizens, etc.Voltaire wrote about these topics in his books (Candide), plays (Tartuffe) and poems (Poem on Human Stupidity). These works were read by many people who appreciated them for their humor or political criticism depending on their interests.

When Voltaire died, he left behind a large amount of wealth and property. His will said that his fortune should be used to pay off all of France’s national debt. Unfortunately, this turned out to be impossible because his estate was not as valuable as he had predicted it would be when he wrote his will.

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