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American Revolution
The American Revolution was originally a colonial revolt that the British faced between 1765 and 1783. The end result was the 13 Colonies of America defeating the British in what later became known as the Revolutionary war. The result was the formation of the United States of America. This successful revolution inspired many Europeans. It contributed to large societal changes that came to Europe following the formation of this new democratic nation. -
Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith was a Scottish economist. It’s based on reflection on the early stages of the industrial revolution. Some of the topics discussed in the Wealth of Nations are division of labour, productivity, and free markets. Today, it is considered by many a “fundamental work” in classical economics. The ultimate goal of this publication was to tell or discuss how to build a nation's wealth. -
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
This was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. In it, Thomas Paine argued for the Thirteen Colonies independence through moral and political arguments. He made the arguments for the difference between Englishmen and Ameircans clear. It was originally published anonymously. Today, it remains a best-selling American title. -
Ratification of US Constitution
On June 1st, 1788, New Hampshire becomes the last necessary state to ratify the constitution, making it the official law of the land. Within the year, George Washington was elected president and Congress was organized into the new structure dictated by the constitution. The ratification was a culmination of many years of build up to forming an independent nation from the original british ruled colonies. -
Storming of the Bastille
French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which was a fortress, armory, and prison that represented French Royal power and authority. While the prison only held seven inmates at the time, the impact was more in the meaning and shock of the event. It ignited the decade long French Revolution. It resulted in a symbolic end of the ancient regime and huge build up of momentum for the revolution. -
French Revolution
The revolution that lasted from 1789 to 1799 which changed the political, economic, and social structure of France and its a “ancient regime” or monarchy that was overthrown by the revolutionaries. Through a decade of violence and chaos, the monarchy and its ancient feudalism and culture was torn apart and a new government was made. -
Wallstonecraft’s Vind. of Rts. of Women
In 1792, the British feminist Mary Wallstonecraft authored the Rights of Women, which was a text based off new feminist philosphy that advocated more rights for women, especially in education. Not only did it dictate what rights she believed should be afforded, but it went into the rationale and explanation behind her philosophy, and explained how affording these rights would not only benefit women but society as a whole. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine in 1793. He was convicted by the National Assembly, part of the newly formed French government, in a near unanimous vote that stated he conspiracy with foreign powers. King Louis XVI was an incompetent King. After failing to stop the revolution from happening in the first place, he was originally allowed to live. However, he could not bear not being in power. -
Reign of Terror
This was a period during the French revolution where the newly formed government was put under a lot of pressure as it was surrounded by enemies on all fronts, domestic and abroad. In order to solve it’s domestic problems, the revolutionary government decided to implement “Terror” into society. What this new policy essentially did was take extreme and harsh measures against people who were deemed anti-revolutionary. A police state was formed. -
Napoleon invades Russia
After having been extremely successful in his conquests around Europe, Napoleon became too confident. His ambitions were too great. Napoleon had only two major European powers to conquer to solidify his rule over Europe; Russia and Great Britain. After defeating the Austrians, Napoleon had a clear path towards Moscow, or so he thought. The brutal Russian winter ultimately led to the demise of Napoleon's Grand Army. -
Napoleon defeated and exiled
Following the disasters that occurred because of the allied forces, he was first exiled to the island of Elba in 1814. However, early in the year of 1815 he escaped and made his return to France. He managed to raise a new Grand Army. It was faced some success before being crushed in the battle of Waterloo. Napoleon was exiled to the island of Saint Helena. He didn’t make a return this time, dying only six years later.
