What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?

Looking back, for instance, what ended the persecution of witches? Or what has decreased racism or uplifted how women are seen?

It took a decades after the research for society to switch from the 1930's view that smoking was harmless, to the current belief that it's bad for us.

The immediate thought is that information and education do it, but I wonder if social psychology and history show other themes around how there are shifts in mass beliefs.Can you shed light on this please? ThanksWhat according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?Humanity is motivated by either of two ways. Inspiration, or desperation. Throughout history it's been through desperation, in my estimation. Not that it couldn't be the other way around going forward, if we choose.

Peace, and Namaste!What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?Whoever has the biggest stick gets to decide what society believes.What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?Public opinion and the presentation of facts...things resisted (as all three of your examples were) by conservatives.What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?Im guessing that entertainment and today media.What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?In the 1640s Britain was an absolute Monarchy with a King, Charles 1, who believed in the Divine Right - that is, he was accountable only to God for his actions.



His blatant disregard for Parliament and the growing religious rift between Catholics and Protestants led to the English Civil War (or, if you want to compare it to what happened in France a century and a half later, the English Revolution).



Charles was defeated in 1649 and put to death, and during the Commonwealth - the period of rule with Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector - there was much religious and poltical ferment in the land.



Most people for instance did not have the vote, and there was much questioning by the common people as to what right the nobility had to rule over them - as for example the Putney Debates.



Also the question of land reform was raised, as by for example the Diggers, a radical group who believed that land should be held in common.



Many people look to this period as the origin of democracy in the UK.What according to history, makes societies change their beliefs?we the people