Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Rousseau's belief in the role of emotions in moral improvement significantly contributed to the development of Romanticism. Romanticism emerged as a response to the Enlightenment's focus on reason and rationality, highlighting the importance of individual experience and emotion. Rousseau argued that true knowledge and moral awareness come from emotional connections and the expression of authentic feelings. He believed that personal emotions could lead to a greater understanding of oneself and humanity, encouraging individuals to embrace their passions and instincts. This emphasis on innate feelings and the importance of personal experience became foundational to Romantic ideals, marking a departure from the cold logic associated with Enlightenment thought. The movement celebrated the celebration of nature, imagination, and individual emotional depth, all of which were influenced by Rousseau's philosophy.