While Enlightenment thinkers' ideas encompassed many large problems of their time, they also overlooked some other important issues. While many thinkers advocated natural rights and equality, these ideas did not extend to slaves and women. Women continued to be oppressed and have inferior rights to men. Africans and Amerindians continued to be enslaved in the millions and suffered in harsh conditions on plantations. This slavery was justified by flawed science that claimed Africans were less developed than their European counterparts as well as Bible and other religious writings that made illusions to slavery. Revolutions caused by Enlightenment ideas helped oppressed groups gain some rights as new leaders rose and new governments were born.
Slaves being forced to work on plantations
http://www.brh.org.uk/gallery/slavery/sugarcane.jpg
Smith, Bonnie G., Richard Von Glahn, and Kris E. Lane. Crossroads and Cultures: A History of the World's Peoples. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. Print.
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