Enlightenment and Revolutions

  • Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws

    Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws
    When Montesquieu published his book onn the Spirit of Laws, it had a huge effect on history. The book showed Montesquieu's views on government, the most important one being the separation of powers. Montesquieu's ideas on the seperation of powers are a very important part of the United States government today, and have also influenced many other governments.
  • America declares Independence

    America declares Independence
    This started with the idea of rebellion, and then ended up causing the American Revolution and the thirteen colonies forming a new country. The Declaration of Independence convinced the colonists that they should rebel and become independent from Great Britain, which led to America being a country today.
  • French Revolution

    French Revolution
    It caused the peasants in France to have as much power in government as the nobles. This caused the French governemnt to become more angry and ended up in the Reign of Terror. However, the French Revolution caused most of the French population to have more rights overall.
  • Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat

     Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
    When Napoleon overthrew the Directory through a coup d'etat, it was a much-needed change in power for the French. Napoleon was a great general and leader, so he gave the people of France a better life. Napoleon gaining power was an incredibly important event in the history of France and the world.
  • Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire

    Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
    Napoleon crowning himself emperor and beginning to create a vast European empire was an important event in French history. He ended up making France a large empire while winning the hearts of the French population.
  • Haiti wins freedom from France

    Haiti wins freedom from France
    When Haiti won its freedom from France, it was an extremely important event for the slaves in Haiti. During the revolution, the slaves revolted and fought the French colonists of Haiti. The colonists then turned to the British for help.
  • Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence

     Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
    When Padre Hidalgo called for Mexican Independence, it was the first step to the Mexican Revolution. This led to people truly considering revolting against Spain and becoming independent. Padre Hidalgo marched to what was then Tenochtitlan.
  • Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo

    Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
    When Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo, it marked the end of his rule, and was his last battle. When Napoleon lost almost all of his 400,000 troops in Russia, he was exiled to the island of Elba. He then escaped, came back to France, and decided to fight the British and the Prusssians in what would be known as the Battle of Waterloo. After Napoleon lost this battle, he was exiled to St. Helena, where he eventually died.