In what way and to what extent did the Enlightenment change Western society?

Europe's ongoing change in commerce and manufacturing changed the face of Western society, both socially and economically. Developing economic changes mirriored those of popular culture and intellectual life; these parallels were the result of commercial expansion. International trade was flourishing and its reach was found in virtually all of the West; obviously, this was a prominent factor in the evolution of society. Ordinary Westerners began to buy processed goods from Indonesia and the West Indies …

…growth of population. The proletariats were able to establish jobs in manufacturing business which allowed them to slowly move upward in the society. Commerce and manufacturing played a major role in many of the social changes between the 16th and 18th centuries. These factors also increased the Western economy and brought about new innovations and methods of production. During this time, the population increased, the economy boomed, and ultimately, Europe experienced a period of success.