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Montesquieu publishes On the Spirit of Laws
In this work, Montesquieu says the best form of government is one that has a separation of powers using checks and balances. He argues that "power is a check to power." -
America declares independence
Thomas Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independence, which is approved by the Second Continental Congress. It says that Britain is not protecting our natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -
French Revolution
On July 14th, a mob stormed the Bastille to rebel against the French monarchy, social inequality, and poor economy. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d'etat
The Directory had appointed Napoleon as their general to lead the army against Austria. He sucessfully campaigned all the way to Egypt, and seazed political power when he returned. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave, led a slave revolt on the French island of Saint Domingue. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
A plebiscite gave Napoleon power as First Consul(he ruled as basically a dictator) and then as emperor. The French were desperate for strong leadership after the upheaval of the Great Fear and the Reign of Terror. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
In the Grito de Delores, Hidalgo called for independence from Spain. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon's defeat by the British army ended his last bid for power. He was sent into exile on a remote island.
