Key features that characterized the Enlightenment in Europe included an emphasis on reason, scientific inquiry, and individual rights. This intellectual movement, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, encouraged questioning traditional authority and dogmas, leading to advancements in philosophy, political theory, and the sciences. Figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant championed ideas regarding liberty, equality, and the importance of education. The Enlightenment also laid the groundwork for modern democracy by advocating for the separation of powers and the rule of law. Its impact extended beyond Europe, influencing revolutions and reform movements across the globe, promoting progress and rational thought.