Voltaire

Voltaire and Historical Highlights

  • Period: to

    Voltaire's Life

  • Period: to

    War of Spanish Succession

  • Acts of Union: Formation of Great Britain

    Acts of Union: Formation of Great Britain
    Scotland and England become one country.
  • Begin of the Industrial Revolution

    Begin of the Industrial Revolution
  • Voltaire uses his pen name for the first time

    Voltaire uses his pen name for the first time
    His literary debut occurred in 1718 with the publication of his Oedipe, a reworking of the ancient tragedy. The play was first performed at the home of the Duchesse du Maine at Sceaux, a sign of Voltaire's quick ascent to the very ‘pinnacle’ of the elite literary society. Its published title page also publicized the new pen name, Voltaire, that would become his signature for his many other literary works.
  • Neoclassical Art Movement begins in Europe

    Neoclassical Art Movement begins in Europe
  • Benjamin Franklin Invents the Lightning Rod

    Benjamin Franklin Invents the Lightning Rod
  • French and Indian War begins- in America

    French and Indian War begins- in America
  • Seven Years' War Begins

    Seven Years' War Begins
  • Candide Written by Voltaire

    Candide Written by Voltaire
    Candide was written by Voltaire after he was kicked out of Paris. At this time he was living in Geneve. Candide is considered one of his most widely known texts.
  • Parliament passes the Stamp Act

    Parliament passes the Stamp Act
  • Boston Massacre

    Boston Massacre
  • First Continental Congress

    First Continental Congress
  • American Revolution Begins

    American Revolution Begins
  • French Revolution Begins

    French Revolution Begins