Enlightenment Illustrated Timeline

  • Galileo Galilei
    1564

    Galileo Galilei

    Challenged the geocentric model with support of the heliocentric theory. Laid the foundation for the Enlightenment.
  • Isaac Newton

    Isaac Newton

    Defined the laws of motion and established the Enlightenment belief.
  • John Locke

    John Locke

    Writings that advocated for the protection of natural rights.
  • Voltaire

    Voltaire

    Advocated for the freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
  • Montesquieu

    Montesquieu

    Proposed the idea of separation of government
  • Encyclopedie

    Encyclopedie

    Work by Denis Diderot that compiled Enlightenment knowledge. Promoted thinking and new ideas about science, religion, politics, and society.
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Introduced the concept of popular sovereignty and the idea that people should be involved in government decisions.
  • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

    The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

    Adopted by the National Assembly and declared the natural rights of men.
  • The Storming of the Bastille

    The Storming of the Bastille

    The start of the French Revolution. The Bastille prison was stormed to symbolize the overthrowing of the old regime.
  • The Reign of Terror

    The Reign of Terror

    Thousands were executed because they were perceived as enemies of the Revolution.
  • Execution of King Louis XVI

    Execution of King Louis XVI

    Executed after being convicted of treason.
  • Maximilien Robspierre

    Maximilien Robspierre

    Very influential leader during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
  • Napolean Bonapatre's Rise to Power

    Napolean Bonapatre's Rise to Power

    Established a new centralized government and brought stability
  • Napoleon's Coronation

    Napoleon's Coronation

    Crowned himself Emperor of the French and controlled the nation
  • Battle of Austerlitz

    Battle of Austerlitz

    Solidified Napoleon's dominance in Europe and showcased his military genius.
  • Napoleon's Russian Campaign

    Napoleon's Russian Campaign

    Invaded Russia and caused destruction of vital supplies.
  • The BAttle of Leipzig

    The BAttle of Leipzig

    Napoleon was defeated and signaled the decline of his empire.
  • Napoleon's Exile

    Napoleon's Exile

    After his defeat he was exiled to the island Elba
  • The Congress of Vienna

    The Congress of Vienna

    European powers meet to restore the political order before Napoleon.
  • The Battle of Waterloo

    The Battle of Waterloo

    Final defeat of Napoleon. This marked the end of his rule.