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America declares independence
In July 1776, the Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence. This document, written by Thomas Jefferson, was based on the ideas of John Locke and the Enlightenment. The Declaration reflected ideas for natural rights, that all men are created equal. They then declared war against the British. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
By 1779, the Directory had lost control of the political situation and the confidence of the French people. When Napoleon returned from Egypt, his friends urged him to seize political power. He took action in November 1779. Troops under his command surrounded the national legislature and drove out most of its members. They established 3 consuls, one of which was Napoleon. He seized the power suddenly which is called, coup d’etat. -
Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws
In 1748, Montesquieu published, On the Spirit of Laws. In this book, Montesquieu proposed that the seperation of powers would keep any individual or group from gaining total control of the government. "Power", he wrote, "should be a check to power." This idea later would be called checks and balances. -
French Revolution
Throughout the night of August 4th, 1789, noblemen made speeches, declaring their love of liberty and equality. They joined members of the National Assembly in sweeping away the privileges of the First and Second estates, making commoners equal to the nobles and the clergy. By morning, the Old Regime was dead. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
Toussaint's lieutenant, Dessalines, took up the fight for freedom. On January 1st, General Dessalines declared the colony an independent country. It was the first black colony to free itself from Europe. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
In 1804, Napoleon decided to make himself emporer, and the French voters supported him. He walked down the aisle of Notre Dame with the Pope waiting. Thousands watched, as Napoleon took the crown from the Pope and placed it on his own head. Signally the he was more powerfull than the church. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
In 1810, Hidalgo, a prioest in Dolores, took the first step towards independence. Hidalgo was poor but educated. He believed in enlightenment ideas. In september he rang the bells of the village church. When the peasants gathered in the church, he issued rebelion against the Spanish. Today, that is called the grito de Dolores. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
The British ruler, Wellington greeted Napoleon in the battle of waterloo, near belgium. On June 18th, napoleon attacked. The British army defended its ground all day. Later, the Prussian army arrived. Together they attacked the French. 2 days later the Frecnh troops gave away, and the British and Prussian forces chased them from the field. This defeated Napoleons last bid of power, called the Hundred days.