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Montesquieu Publishes Book, "On the Spirit of Laws"
This book discussed the separation of powers into three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial). This system has influenced the government of the United States, but also those of many countries around the world. -
America Declares Independence
This was the first step to making America an official nation, and it was the first time America really recognized itself as its own nation. The document that declared independence, the Declaration of Independence, is now a cornerstone of American history, and it served as an example to many other countries that wanted to break free. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution would put France into a state of turmoil for the next few years. It did establish, however, a more democratic government that was driven by the common man, which was a step toward current democracies like we have today. In addition, in an effort to make French culture more secular (because of deist Enlightment philosophies about God playing an inactive role in the world), the metric system was born. -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory through a Coup d’Etat
Napoleon would gain power through this coup d'etat, and would eventually lead Napoleon to become emperor of France. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor, Begins to Create a Vast European Empire
Napoleon declared himself more powerful than the church, as the pope crowned him emperor, which was a big deal because this was the first time in French history where a ruler was more powerful than religion. His rule of the vast empire would spark revolutions in the Spanish Americas because the Spanish Americans resented Napoleon's rule. -
Haiti Wins Freedom from France
This was the only successful slave revolt in history. This was also the first of many Latin American revolutions that were sparked by resent for Napoleon's rule. -
Padre Hidalgo Calls for Mexican Independence
This call for independence was known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), as this call for independence took place in a town called Dolores. The Grito de Dolores spawned a Mexican Revolution that would eventually lead to Mexican independence. -
Napoleon Is Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
At Waterloo, Napoleon was officially defeated and his power was gone, thus ending the great empire of Napoleon.
