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John Locke
Asserted Man's natural rights, life, liberty, and property, which were later used in the United States Constitution with pursuit of happiness in the place of the latter. -
The Great Fire of London
Sweeping through the heart of London Sept. 2--Sept. 6, the fire destroyed 80% of the city, leaving thousands homeless but only killing six. Though devastating the city's resources, the fire acted as a physical trigger to a new beginning. With London burned absolutism, medeival pessimism, and tradition ways of life. Welcomed were the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. -
Isaac Newton publishes "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica"
A revolutionary work of scientific literature, "Principia" layed the groundwor k for most scientific discoveries after its publishing. In it, Newton explains his laws of motion, as well as the theory of gravity. -
John Locke published "Two Treatises on Government"
John Locke was the first philosopher to truly give the "power to the people". In "Two Treatises on Government", he writes that people have the natural born right to govern themselves and should not be oppressed in an absolute monarchy, for such oppression is a form of slavery of will. -
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Baron de Montesquieu
Originated the idea "separation of powers", in which the government should be split into three branches: law-making (the monarch and parliament), law-interpreting (the judiciary). and law-enforcing (the executive). He provided a functioning system of government when the Age of Absolutism fell in shambles stating that "power should be a check to power". -
English Bill of Rights
The third pillar to the Constitution, the EBoR is the basis of the English government, in which many Enlightenment ideas are implemented into law. -
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Francois-Marie Arouet (Voltaire)
A leading figure of the Enlightenment, the French writer criticized religion and absolute monarchies, vouching for freedom of speech to all citizens. -
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau
He wrote that if a nation's people feel their leader unsuitable, they are undubitably obliged to revolt until a more suitable leader rises. Society could be held accountable for all of the evils in the world and were thus responsible to learn and eliminate said evils. -
Peace of Utrecht
Many individual peace treaties were signed between various European states and compiled into the Peace of Utrecht. These treaties ended the War of Spanish Succession, promising that France would never again rise as the European power. -
Diderot"s Encyclopedia
First encyclopedia that compiled the works of many great philosophers, as well as hundreds of articles from other scientists, ancient texts, and Diderot himself. Unified the world of reason and applied such to their logical and enlightened world. -
Madame Geoffrin's Salons
The greatest minds of the 18th century would converge in the living room of Madame Geoffrin to discuss philosophy and the world in which they lived. A naturally intelligent and receptive person, Mme. Geoffrin opened her home not only to provide a common ground for Enlightenment brilliance, but to learn from their discussion. -
Voltaire publishes "Candide"
Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, published his most influential piece of literature, Candide, in which he identifies all evil in the world and makes the statement that life should be about living, not "needless philosophizing". -
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Mary Wollstonecraft
Known as the first feminist, Wollstonecraft believed that the root of women's inferiority was not a natural-born weakness but rather a lack of formal education. Wrote "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" declaring that in a new age of reason and logic, women deserve their right to equality alongside men. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes "The Social Contract"
Rousseau emphasized his idea on Man's individual freedom from authority and therefore their obedience to to it. He states that upon birth, Man is born as equals, thus no one shall raise above another to govern their equals as more deserving or qualified. If he who does govern does so poorly, one is allowed to replaced them by force. -
Treaty of Paris signed
Ending the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War, Britain was awarded many territories formerly owned and conquered by other countries. This in turn would ensure Britain's world dominance in years to come, only to be rivaled by the United States and few others. This status holds true throughout modern history and remains today, with the US one step ahead.
