Which group most strongly embraced the ideals and principles of the Enlightenment?

The bourgeoisie, or the middle class, most strongly embraced the ideals and principles of the Enlightenment because they were at the forefront of advocating for reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry. The Enlightenment emphasized concepts like liberty, equality, and democracy, which resonated with the bourgeoisie as they sought to improve their social standing and challenge the traditional privileges held by the nobility and clergy.

The bourgeoisie were often involved in trade, commerce, and the professions, which made them increasingly influential economically and politically. Their education and engagement with Enlightenment thinkers inspired them to push for political reforms, greater participation in government, and social change, aligning their aspirations with Enlightenment ideals.

In contrast, other groups like the nobility and clergy were more likely to benefit from the existing social order that the Enlightenment often critiqued. The peasantry lacked the same access to education and resources that allowed the bourgeoisie to fully embrace and champion Enlightenment philosophies. Thus, the bourgeoisie's role as advocates for change and their intellectual engagement with Enlightenment ideas positions them as the group most closely aligned with these principles.