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Hobbes writes "Leviathan"
Hobbes' work concerns the structure of society and legitimate government. Regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of the social contract theory. -
Locke writes the Two Trastises of Government
A work of political philosophy published anonymously. Outlines his ideas for a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory. -
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French and Indian War
Fought between the British American Colonies and New France. Both sides were supported by the military of their own country and the war escalated from a regional affair to a world-wide conflict. -
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American Revolution
A political upheaval in the late 18th century where the colonies of North America banded together to achieve independence from Britain. -
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Reign of Louis XVI
Plunged France deeper into debt. Seen as an indecisive, incompetent, and tyrannic ruler. -
Calling of the Estates Generals
The estates were organized into three groups; clergy, nobles, and the rest of France. They were set up so that the upperclasses could out-vote the lower class. -
Tennis Court Oath
Pledge signed by 576 of the 577 members of the Third Estate who were locked out of the meeting of the Estates-General. -
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France experiences "The Great Fear"
Rural unrest had been present in France. In response to rumors, fearful peasants armed themselves in self-defense and, in some areas, attacked manor houses. -
National Assembly composes "Declaratioin of the Rights of Man"
Definined the individual and collective rights of all the estates of the realm as universal. Influenced by the doctrine of "natural right", the rights of man are held to be universal. -
Legislative assembly is created.
Provided the focus of political debate and revolutionary law-making between the periods of the National Constituent Assembly and of the National Convention. -
Louis XVI attempts escape
Louis XVI attempted to flee France but, was captured, tried, and executed via guillotine. -
Louis XVI is executed
At Louis' trial, he was given an immediate death sentence on Monday, January 21, 1793. -
Committee of Public Safety is formed.
Assumed its role of protecting the newly established republic against foreign attacks and internal rebellion. -
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Robespierre comes to power
French lawyer, polition, and one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution. -
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Reign of Terror
A period of violence that occurred after the onset of the French Revolution. -
Robespierre is executed
Executed without trial along with 12 of his followers. -
Napoleon Bonaparte comes to power.
As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815. His legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many civil law jurisdictions worldwide, but he is best remembered for his role in the wars led against France by a series of coalitions, the so-called Napoleonic Wars -
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France goes to war with Austria
Pitted a coalition of the Austrian Empire and Great Britain against the forces of Napoleon's French empire. -
Napoleon invades Russia
Napoleon marched 450,000 troops into Russia in an attempt to capture Moscow. But, ended up retreating and losing almost all of his army in the Russian winter. -
Napoleon exiled to Elba
He attempted suicide but survived and raised a small army and navy to try to take over France. -
Napoleon defeated at Waterloo
An Imperial French army under the command of Emperor Napoleon was defeated by the armies of the Seventh Coalition.
