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Montesquieu publishes book ON THE SPIRIT OF LAWS
Montesquieu was a French enlightenment thinker that influenced many with his views on government with ON THE SPIRIT OF LAWS. One of his most influential beliefs was the separation of powers. He believed in checks and balances so that not a single branch of government would be too powerful. -
America declares independence
The first Continental Congress met in 1774 to discuss the position of the colonists. They agreed that they would wait a year to take action on the British in case the political and economical solution improved. The colonists knew it wouldn't, but said they would wait a year because they were scared. When they met again, they created the Declaration of Independence to tell the people why they wanted to fight British. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution began in the late 18th century when King Loius began spending too much money. They decided to tax all of the middle class, angering the peasants. The Third Estate created the National Assembly, and pressured for a new constitution, sparking the revolution. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup de etat.
Napoleon supported the revolution when he overthrew the directory. The Royalists were not infavor of a monarchy, and Napoleon took them over and made himself consul. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
In 1804, Napoleon made an agreement with the Pope and he put the crown of Charlemange on himself. This signified Napoleon's dominance because he put the crown on himself, making him the most powerful man in the world. After crowning himself, he expands his empire. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
Haiti was known as Saint Domingue to the French, and had a lot of sugar cane. This resulted in a lot of slaves. Toussaint L'Ovurture started the revolution by joining up the slaves, and rebelling. The revolution was the only successful slave rebellion. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
Miguel Hidalgo was the first leader of the Mexican war for independence. Hidalgo was a preist, and did not like the poverty he saw and gathered up many Indians and mestizos to rebel. Unfortunately, they lost their first battle, but Hidalgo and his followers would finally win. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
After being exiled for marching into Russia, Napoleon escaped. He regained power in France, and wanted one more battle against the Royalists. It took place at the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon's army was defeated. His army had mostly horses, who could not run on the wet grass, so Napoleon waited until it dried. The Duke of Wellington picked up on the hesitation, and defeated Napoleon.
