The Salons Philosophes moved to France. Salons were set up to discuss political and social issues. Marie-Therese Geoffrin organized one of the famous salons in Paris. Philosophes such as Diderot, and Voltaire, would gather to eat, drink and discuss the issues of the day. Society could be changed to benefit all.

Art and Music The baroque style of art glorified European kings. Very ornate and detailed. Rococo style was delicate and more refined. Rural settings of common people. Rembrandt and Vemeer painted middle class subjects. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote music for choirs and organ. Handle wrote operas. The Messiah. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote beautiful music and died at the young age of 35. The novel created by Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson. Robinson Crusoe and Pamela.

Enlightened Despotism Most philosophes did not disagree with the monarchy as a form of government. They thought that ruler should lead according to the ideals of the Enlightenment. Enlightened Despotism - leading a country using reason and logic. Both Catherine the Great and Frederick the Great were supporters of the philosophes. Joseph II of Austria-Enlightened Frederick the Great visiting Voltaire