Contribution of Montesquieu and Voltaire to the French Revolution
Montesquieu and Voltaire were influential Enlightenment thinkers whose ideas played a significant role in laying the groundwork for the French Revolution.

Montesquieu:
- Montesquieu was a political philosopher who is best known for his work "The Spirit of the Laws."
- He advocated for the separation of powers within government, which later influenced the structure of the French government during the revolution.
- Montesquieu's ideas on the importance of checks and balances helped inspire the creation of a constitutional monarchy in France.

Voltaire:
- Voltaire was a prolific writer and philosopher who championed freedom of speech, religion, and tolerance.
- He used his writings to criticize the French monarchy and the Catholic Church, advocating for reform and social change.
- Voltaire's ideas on individual rights and freedoms inspired many revolutionaries during the French Revolution, leading to calls for equality and liberty.
Overall, Montesquieu and Voltaire's ideas on government structure, individual rights, and freedom of expression were crucial in shaping the intellectual climate that ultimately led to the French Revolution. Their works helped pave the way for the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that defined the era.