How did the French Revolution influence the origin of the term ideology?

The term idéologie originated during the French Revolution when the philosopher A.-L.-C. Destutt de Tracy introduced it as a name for his "science of ideas." Intended as a technical, neutral term, he envisioned this science as a way to improve human life by ridding minds of prejudice and preparing society for the sovereignty of reason.1

Destutt de Tracy and his fellow idéologues sought to transform France into a rational society through state-planned education. While their ideas briefly became official doctrine under the Directory, Napoleon eventually turned against them, blaming their influence for France's military failures and speaking of them with scorn. This conflict transformed the word into a loaded term, carrying both laudatory and abusive connotations that persist in global political discourse today.1