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Montesquieu publishes "On the Spirit of Laws"
Baron de Montesqueiu, a famous French enlightenment thinker, published this book on his theories on government. The main idea of his work was to enforce a written set of laws to protect people's personal rights. He suggested the separation of powers idea because "power is a check to power". He believed that if the government had different branches, they would be able to limit each other to prevent tyranny. His ideas are the basis of the American government. -
America Declares Indepence
On this monumental day, the Declaration of Independence was signed and therefore declared that American colonists are freed from British rule. It sparked the beginning of one of the most successful countries ever founded, and declared that the American people would be forever free. -
French Revolution Begins
This year marked the end of the Old Regime and the beginning of a new era for the French people. The French craved a change in their stagnant government, and equality for people of all classes. In the Tennis Court Oath and Battle of Bastille, the French lower classes rebelled against their superiors. The French people wanted a voice. The ideals of this revolution sparked the American revolution and many other battles for freedom. -
Coup d'État
Napoleon overthrows the French government through a coup d'état. Napoleon spent many year as a military leader. He overthrew many prominent countries and created a legendary empire. He returned to France, lying about some of his conquests. By a popular vote of the people, and a "taking of the state", Napoleon took over the French government. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
As the new leader of the French people, Napoleond decides to crown himself as one of three consuls. He crowns himself emperor, and basically denies power to either of the two consuls. Although the main ideal of the French revolution was to demolish the absolute monarchy, Napoleon convinced the people that his rule would change the meaning of an absolute monarchy. Symbolizing his power, Napoleon took the crown from the Pope in the ceremony, saying that his power was more absolute than the church. -
Haiti Gains Independence
Haiti was controlled by the French and Napoleon. Most of the population was black slaves controlled by a sparse amount of French masters. Led by Toussaint l'Ouverture, the Haitian people rose up and declared independece from the French in battles across the country. Napoleon, knowing that he could not gain anymore revenue from Haiti, moved on and allowed the Haitian Revolution to take place. -
Miguel Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
Miguel Hidalgo, a Mexican priest, rallied creoles, Indians, and Africans to rise up against the Peninsulares who constricted the social system and government. He rung the church bells in the city of Dolores and cried for rebellion. This notion marked the beginning of the Mexican revolution, a whirlwind of governmental ideas and power struggles. -
Napoleon's Defeat at the Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon, a great military leader, decided to try and expand the European empire and conquer Britain. In his final battle against the coalition, Napoleon attemps to defeat the powerful British Army. In the Battle of Waterloo, British Duke of Wellington skillfully took down Napoleon. Although his legacy is great, Napoleon could never take down the British.
