Enlightenment and Nationalist Revolutions

Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws

Jul 25, 1748

This book talked about separtation of powers, which is a very important part of today's government

America declares independence

Jul 25, 1776

America declared independence from Britain. This is when the Declaration of independence was signed.

French Revolution

Jul 25, 1789

French people stormed the Bastille, a prison that was holding lots of weapons for the king to stop the revolution. The French now celebrate this day, called Batille day.

Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat

Jul 25, 1799

Napoleon seized power when the time was right. The government was weak and had no real leader. Napoleon saw an opportunity and conducted a plebisite but everyone already liked him because of his military victories so became leader.

Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire

Jul 25, 1804

Instead of having the pope crown him, he took the crown and put it on himself showing dominence over him.

Haiti wins freedom from France

Jul 25, 1804

The Slaves in Haiti, who outnumbered their owners, decided to revolt, being led by Toussant L'Ouverture.

Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence

Jul 25, 1810

Padre rings the bell of a church to gather peasants from Dolores. He knew about the ideas of Enlightenment and sought for independence. He gathers 60,000 people to march into Mexico city but dies.

Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo

Jul 25, 1815

Napolean has survived many impossible battles, but he is finally brought down here. The ground was to wet for Napoleon's Cavalry, so the british attacked them and defeated them.