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Montesquieu Publishes Book, On The Spirit of Laws
Baron de Montesquieu was a famous enlightenment philosophe. He published his book on how government should have checks and balances. Our government uses his ideas today, when we have our three branches. -
America Declares Independence
After the French and Indian war, Britain was left with a enourmous debt. In order to pay it off, they created the "Intolerable Acts." The intolerable acts were taxes placed on the colonists from anything to paper, to tea. After the first Continental Congress, Britain removed all taxex, but one, tea. Rebelions happened including the Boston Tea Party. It all ending when Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and war broke out against the British. -
French Revolution
A meeting between all three states, or Estates-General, voted on tax acts to make up for the king and queen's extravagant speding. Peasants, and the middle class, or the third estate, created the National Assembly that declares the end of the absolute monarchy, and the start of a French Republic. -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory Through Coup D'etat
The Directory of France was a 5 man government. It was losing control of its people, when Napoleon comes after his freinds suggest for him to start a new type of government. Napoleon overtakes the meeting to vote on the abolishment of the Directory. Napoleon is placed at the head of a three-man team, and he soon becomes the dictator of France. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor, Begins to Create a Vast European Empire
After leading France to great success as first consul, Napoleon makes himself emperor. He gained the French people's respect by creating lycees, or public schools, creating an efficient taxing and baking system, and pleasing the Church by making sure it gets spiritual power. He crowns himslef emperor, when he walks up to the Pope, and places his crown on his own head. -
Haiti Wins Freedom From France
Toussaint L'Overture lead an uprising of his 100,000 slaves agaisnt their few masters. L'Overture took over the island, and freed all slaves. French reinforcements came back to claim island, and L'Overture agreed if all slaves were freed. After L'Overture's banishment and death, his luitenant took over the fight and declared Haiti an independent country. -
Padre Hildalgo Calls for Mexican Independence
Padre Hidalgo was a poor but well educated creole. He believed in Enlightenment ideas, which lead him to cry for a rebellion for Spain. He rang the bells of his village, and starts a march of Indian and mesizto followers towards Mexico City. -
Napoleon Is Defeated At the Battle of Waterloo
After escaping from Elba, and declaring himslef emperor once more, Napoleon marches on to Waterloo to face the British. Napoleon wants to wait to start the battle, for it had rained the night before, and he was afraid his army's horses might slip. This hesitation lead to his downfall, and he is defeated by the British. He is banished to St. Helena where he spends the rest of his days.
