The major political philosophy that aimed to dismantle the monarchy in France during the late 18th century was Enlightenment thought, particularly seen through the lens of republicanism. Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu advocated for concepts of liberty, equality, and the social contract, emphasizing the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed rather than divine right or hereditary rule. These revolutionary ideas gained traction leading up to and during the French Revolution, which began in 1789. The push for a democratic republic challenged the authority of the monarchy, culminating in significant political upheaval that forever transformed the French political landscape.