The influence of Voltaire's philosophical works on the French Revolution Voltaire's philosophical works, such as Candide, influenced the beginning of the French Revolution, promoting new ideas and concepts . Voltaire used both wit and sarcasm to prove his points against injustice and cruelty. Voltaire was exiled in England for many years and, while there, was influenced by English governmental systems, associated with Sir Isaac Newton, John Locke and Sir Francis Bacon. Voltaire wrote many famous works, but Candide is the most widely read and considered to have had the most profound impact on the French Revolution. In Candide, Voltaire uses his character Pangloss to imitate the extreme ways of Alexander Pope, another philosopher before the French Revolution. The French Revolution was considered a time of positive change, and Voltaire's philosophical works influenced the beginning of that period by prompting the acceptance of new theories. Voltaire is commonly known for his philosophical writings and as a “crusader against injustice, intolerance, cruelty, and war” (“Voltaire”). He was the most outspoken writer who advocated political and social reform. Voltaire was constantly in fear of being imprisoned, as most of his work criticized both the king and the Church. 1717 he was arrested and sent to the Bastille for “insulting the regent”. (“Voltaire.”1) During his imprisonment, however, he did not remain silent; he wrote his first play, Oedipe, and this earned him considerable attention. He was released after 11 months when it was discovered that he had been wrongly accused , but he challenged a young nobleman and was sentenced to exile or death (“Voltaire”2). He chose exile and continued his writing career in England. While in England......middle of paper......ww.associatedcontent.com/article/1685317/rousseau_voltaire_montesquieu_their.html?cat=47>.Madelin, Louis. The French Revolution by Louis Madelin. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Library, 1916. Print.Parton, James. Life of Voltaire.. Charleston, SC: Bibliobazaar, 2009. Print."Voltaire"1 Voltaire Residence / Voltaire's Residence. Np, nd Web. 19 January 2010. "Voltaire"2 www.kirjasto.sci.fi. Network. 19 January 2010. "Voltaire | Author and philosopher." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and information resource. Np, nd Web. 19 January 2010. .Voltaire. Candide and Other Stories (All Men's Library (Cloth)). New York: Everyman Library, 1992. Print.