Independence Movements and the Enlightenment

American Revolution begins

Apr 19, 1775

American Revolution begins

The United States declares independence from Great Britain

Jul 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence

United States Constitution signed

Sep 17, 1787

U.S. Constitution signed

French Revolution begins

May 5, 1789

Beginning of the French Revolution

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen signed

Aug 26, 1789

Declaration of the Rights of Man The above document was written by The Marquis de Lafayette, with help from his friend and neighbor, American envoy to France, Thomas Jefferson. Lafayette, you may recall, had come to the Colonies at age 19, been commissioned a Major General, and was instrumental in the defeat of the British during the American Revolutionary War. He considered one special man his 'father': George Washington. Fre

Haitin revolt against France begins

Aug 22, 1791

Haitian War of Independence

Paraguay Declares Independence from Spain

May 14, 1811

History of Paraguay

Chile declares independence from Spain

Feb 12, 1818

Chilean Independence

Colombia Declares Independence from Spain

Dec 17, 1819

Colombia's Fight for Independence

Peru declares independence from Spain

Jul 28, 1821

History of Peru

Mexico Gains Independence from Spain

Sep 27, 1821

Mexican War of Independence

Brazil declares independence from Portugal

Sep 7, 1822

Brazilian Fight for Independence

Bolivia achieves independence from Spain

Aug 6, 1825

Bolivian War of Independence