The major cultural movement that occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe was the Enlightenment. This intellectual movement emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authorities, including religion and monarchy. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenged established norms and encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and human rights. The impact of the Enlightenment was profound, influencing various domains including politics, science, and education, and laying the groundwork for modern democratic thought. Its ideals were instrumental in shaping revolutions, particularly the American and French Revolutions, as concepts of liberty and equality were championed.