During the Enlightenment period in the 18th century, there was a shift in thinking that greatly influenced the field of history. Prior to this time, historical accounts were often biased towards the ruling elite and focused on recording military conquests and royal genealogies. However, Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority. Historians such as Edward Gibbon and Voltaire began to critically analyze historical events and question the legitimacy of absolute monarchies. They sought to uncover the underlying causes of historical developments and understand the social, political, and economic forces at play. The Enlightenment also led to the emergence of new historical methodologies, such as the use of primary sources and the critical evaluation of evidence. This laid the foundation for modern historical scholarship, encouraging historians to approach the past with a more analytical and objective mindset. Overall, the Enlightenment had a profound impact on history by shaping the way we study and interpret the past. It emphasized the importance of critical thinking, scholarly rigor, and a commitment to understanding the complexities of human experience.