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Period: 1543 to
Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution was a crucial period of time that had a huge long term impact on the world. Despite of the scientific advancements, the Scientific Revolution was also crucial as it inspired people to question traditional authorities, and use reasoning and logic in daily life. This period of time made the Enlightenment possible as people applied reasoning to society and government. -
Galileo Galilei supports the heliocentric theory
This was one of the first moves of the Scientific Revolution, since Galileo made careful observations and calculations before supporting the theory. It was one of the early attempts for people to learn about the natural world through reasoning and observations. This event was significant because it started the Scientific Revolution while also inspired people to apply logic to society and government. -
Period: to
English Civil War
The English Civil War helped to set the foundations for the current British government. It transformed Britain from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, and increased the power of parliament and the people. This would also inspire people to reform the society and change government structures. -
Hobbes’s Leviathan is published
Hobbes's Leviathan was one of the first pieces to address the idea of "social contract". This piece was significant since "social contract" later became an important Enlightenment ideal that inspired many revolutions and changes. Later Enlightenment thinkers and revolutionists used ideas in the Leviathan to guide their thinkings and actions. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was significant as it marked England's transformation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. After this event, many other Europeans would be inspired to reform their government and limit the power of their monarchs. -
Locke’s Two Treatises on Government is published
Locke's Two Treatises on Government was significant as it included a lot of Enlightenment ideals and inspired many people to rethink about their government and their place in the society. When many people realized that their government weren't doing what they were supposed to do, several revolutions around the world were occurred. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period of time in which people used reasoning and logic to think about politics and society. The Enlightenment was built upon the way people think during the Scientific Revolution. Later, the Enlightenment would cause people to rethink about their position in the society, and make people want to reform and revolt. -
Diderot Publishes First Volumes of Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia was significant as it spread the Enlightenment ideals and helped people to understand the world based on observations and facts. It was one of the first sources that people could rely on for truth, which replaced the role of the church and the authorities under the old regime. -
Period: to
Louis XVI’s reign
During Louis XVI's reign, France experienced economic and social issue, which led to the French Revolution. During this period of time, France experienced the change from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, and from a constitutional monarchy to a Republic. Louis XVI's reign was significant as it shaped the French nation we see today. -
Period: to
American Revolution
The American Revolution was one of the major revolutions that occurred after the Enlightenment. American people that were hopeful for a better future fought against Great Britain's tyrannical actions. This revolution inspired many other revolutions including the French Revolution that ending the monarchy in France. The American Revolution helped to shape the world we see today. -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord marked the start of the American Revolution. It was significant due to the fact that it was one of the earliest actions for people to fight for their rights based upon Enlightenment ideals. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was significant as it represented the American people's determination to fight for their rights after being inspired by the Enlightenment. It was also important because it partially inspired the French revolution (the DOROMAC). -
National Assembly formed in France
The French National Assembly was a leading group in the early years of the French revolution. It was made up of the members from the 3rd Estate and it fought for social, economic and political changes as people suffered under the old system. The National Assembly helped the 3rd Estate to fight for their rights and continue the revolution. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath was an oath taken by the 3rd Estate delegates after being denied entrance to the estates general meeting. The significance of that was that the Tennis Court Oath established a constitutional monarchy and made the 3rd Estate delegates determined to fight for more rights. -
Declaration of Rights of Man
The DOROMAC contained Enlightenment ideals and the French people's desire for a more ideal society. It was significant since it served as a guidance for the French people during and after the revolution. Later French constitutions would all receive some inspiration from the DOROMAC. -
Legislative Assembly formed in France
The Legislative Assembly replaced the National Assembly and officially established a constitutional monarchy. Under this system, King Louis XVI would no longer have the power to create laws, instead, he can only enforce them. The Legislative Assembly would also continue to guide the French people through the revolution. -
American Bill of Rights signed
The American Bill of Rights was created upon Enlightenment ideals and guaranteed the rights of American citizens (only white people at first). This was significant as it helped to build the foundation for the American society and government. The American Bill of Rights also inspired many other nations to guarantee and protect the rights of their citizens. -
Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women is published
The A Vindication of the Rights of Women addressed women's rights, which was not included in the original DOROMAC and French constitution. This document inspired women's rights movements all around the world and encouraged women to fight for equality. -
Execution of Louis XVI
Louis XVI was executed in Paris in 1793 after being tried at the National Assembly for high treason. His death marked the official end to France's monarchy and a key point for France to transform into a republic. -
Period: to
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a period of chaos that violated many of the Enlightenment ideals that people were fighting for. A lot of people were executed during this period of time, which caused fear among the people and many started to demand peace. This ultimately allowed Napoleon's rise to power some years after. -
Execution of Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was tried and executed several months after Louis XVI was beheaded. Her death signifies another key point of the French Revolution as both of the monarchs were completely gone. After this event, the revolution would continue in another direction with the Reign of Terror. -
Napoleon’s Coup
Napoleon's Coup was a result of people's demand for peace after many years of chaos. At that point in time, France was ruled by an absolute dictator once again, but few people complained. Napoleon's Coup was another important turning point for France as Napoleon would lead the nation into another direction.
