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Nicolaus Copernicus

1543

1. put forth the theory that the Sun is at rest near the center of the Universe,
2. and that the Earth, spinning on its axis once daily 3This is called the heliocentric, or Sun-centered, system.

Francis Bacon

1603

1. In order to test potential truths, or hypotheses. 2.Bacon devised a method whereby scientists set up experiments to manipulate nature and attempt to prove their hypotheses wrong. 3.his scientific philosophy was particularly optimistic and influential.

Galileo Galilei

1610

1.He pioneered the scientific revolution that flowered in the work of Isaac Newton.
2.He founded the science of astronomy,
3.his inspiration was the records kept by astrologers.

Rene Descartes

1641

1The algebraic methods that Descartes developed enabled him to present a series of entirely novel and original moves in geometry.2.Through his specialty in mathematics.3.He was able to transform geometrical problems into algebra.

Isaac Newton

1666

1.his Law of Universal Gravitation, Three Laws of Motion
2.and invention of the reflecting telescope.
3.An English mathematician and physicist,

John Locke

1676

1.Locke is notable for making the statement that all men have the right to pursue “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property.” 2.In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson alters this statement to state that all men have the rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” 3.John Locke fused “individualism ...

Montesquieu

1743

1.In particular, Montesquieu's discussion of separation of powers and checks and balances profoundly influenced the American Founders and the design of the U.S. Constitution. 2.It was not unusual for eighteenth century Americans to speak of Montesquieu as an “oracle” of political wisdom whose work is “always consulted.3.Montesquieu's writings attacked the feudalistic basis of French society.

Denis Diderot

1751

1.Diderot's largest contribution to the Enlightenment era was by far his publication of "Encyclopedia or a Systematic Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, and Crafts." 2.In this largely successful work. 3.Diderot explored all human knowledge and provided readers with a deep analysis of nearly all aspects of human existence.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

1762

1.Rousseau's ideas in Social Contract heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence. 2.He claimed that people would give up unlimited freedom for the security provided by a government.3. but also that people of the state hold ultimate right to power.

Voltaire

1763

1.Voltaire rebelled against the Church and most state institutions (aristocracy, monarchy, and bureaucrats). 2.He advocated for social reform and equality.3. His writings gave the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers critical concepts to build a new form of government.

James Watt

1764

1.James Watt is chiefly known for inventing different types of steam engine that helped start the Industrial Revolution. 2.To describe the efficiency of his engines, he coined the term 'horsepower' and devised a rev counter.3. Watt's inventions were not confined to engines.

Adam Smith

1776

1.Recognizing that the American colonists were victims of Britain's mercantile policies.2. Smith advised Parliament to let the American colonies peacefully go their own way. 3.For the sake of maintaining a monopoly of trade, he argued, the colonies had cost the British people much more than they had gained.

George Washington

1776

1.George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775. 2.Despite having little experience in commanding large, conventional military forces.3. his leadership presence and fortitude held the American military together long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and independence for his new nation in 1781.

Thomas Jefferson

1776

1.In the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, he contributed his pen rather than his voice to the patriot cause. 2.As the “silent member” of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence. 3.In years following he labored to make its words a reality in Virginia

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1786

1.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was one of the most influential, popular and prolific composers of the classical period. 2.He composed over 600 works, including some of the most famous and loved pieces of symphonic, chamber, operatic, and choral music. 3.Mozart was born in Salzburg to a musical family.

Maximillien Robespierre

1789

1.In order to keep control over the revolution, the Committee of Public Safety was founded.2. and Robespierre became a prominent member. 3.He advocated the death penalty for enemies of the revolution, and supported the Reign of Terror.

Miguel Hidalgo

1810

1.On September 16, 1810—the date now celebrated as Mexican Independence Day—Hidalgo issued the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”).2. calling for the end of Spanish rule, for racial equality, and for redistribution of land. 3.The speech effectively launched the Mexican War of Independence (1810–21).

Simon Bolivar

1821

1.Crisis Manager. Simón Bolivar is remembered today as the greatest leader of South American independence.2. Highly influenced by the examples of the United States, the French Revolution and Napoleon.3. he led a massive revolt against Spanish colonial rule in South America, beginning in 1810.