Montesquieu, born Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu on January 18, 1689, in the Château de La Brède near Bordeaux, France, was a prominent French political philosopher whose work significantly influenced the development of modern political theory, particularly in the areas of separation of powers and constitutional law.
After his father's death in 1713, Montesquieu inherited the title of Baron de La Brède and the family estate. He studied at the Collège de Juilly and later at the University of Bordeaux, where he received a degree in law. In 1716, he married Jeanne de Lartigue, with whom he had three children.
Montesquieu's most famous works include:
In "The Spirit of the Laws," Montesquieu argued for a system of government where powers are divided among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming tyrannical. This concept of separation of powers would later influence the framing of many modern constitutions, including that of the United States.
Montesquieu's ideas were revolutionary for his time, impacting:
Montesquieu died on February 10, 1755, in Paris. His works continued to be influential long after his death, shaping political thought during the Enlightenment and beyond. His ideas remain foundational in discussions on government structure and the rule of law.