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American Revolution
The American Revolution was a rebellion by the colonies of Great Britain in North America against the perceived oppression of the government. While there were a substantial group of "loyalists," who supported staying beneath the crown, the majority were made of "patriots" who wanted more representation and even full independence. As they won battles and took territory, they eventually negotiated peace to create what's arguably the most influential country in the modern world. -
Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations is a book written by economist and philosopher Adam Smith, a defining work in economics even today. It covered a ton of topics, many relevant to the time, but touching on core ideas that can be applied to problems today. For example, his arguments about rent might have applied to 18th-century landlords, but the same problems exist for landlords and tenants today. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in support of the American Revolution. Written in the format of a sermon and using simple, understandable language, it appealed to a mass audience to bring the ideals of the Revolution across the colonies. In particular, it advocated for resistance and opposition to the oppressive British government, and put forth a model of a more representative body. Its impact is seen in support for the Revolutionary War and today's government itself. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a period of time in which the people rose up against the monarchy and attempted to create a government of the people. The revolution ended the monarchy in France and made the country vulnerable to Napoleon's dictatorship by letting the streets run with blood. -
Ratification of US Constitution
The ratification of the US Constitution established a government by the people. This acted as historical precedent for the French Revolution as the French people grew tired of the monarchy's lack of concern for their people. -
Storming the Bastille
French people of the lower class stormed the Bastille and claimed the gunpowder and weapons in the fortress. This moment marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
Wallstonecraft’s Vind. of Rts. of Women
A Vindication of the Rights of Women was an early work of feminist literature which argued for the education of women. It was written in response to a report given to the National Assembly stating that women should only receive domestic education. However, it provided no immediate change to women's role in society. -
Execution of Louis XVI
Louis the XVI was charged with treason and sentenced to death by guillotine. This moment marked the end of the monarchy in France. -
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a part of the French Revolution where its leaders cracked down on dissent and rebellion. Spearheaded by Robespierre and his Committee of Public Safety, they massacred opponents and accused thousands of treason and anti-revolutionary activity. Many of these death sentences were carried out by guillotine. This was significant in showing the abuses of power that can occur after revolutionary governments take power, and the beginning of the end for the Revolution. -
Napoleon's Invasion of Russia
Napoleon, hoping to compel an end to Russian trade with geopolitical enemy Great Britain, launched a disastrous invasion. As Russia retreated endlessly, using scorched-earth tactics to deny the French army access to supplies, Napoleon began backing off and was caught in a devastating winter. All in all, he lost around 500,000 soldiers, weakening French power and causing several of his allies to switch sides, eventually causing another war. -
Napoleon Defeated and Exiled
In the War of the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon was getting smacked by most of the other European powers. He was offered a peace deal, which would allow him to keep much of his territory and remain as emperor, but he declined. He kept fighting, lost, and was forced to abdicate his throne. Despite a suicide attempt, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba, where he improved the island's economy and services. He escaped later, but was defeated in battle and exiled for real, where he died.