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Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws
When Montesquieu published his book, On the Spirit of Laws, it had a tremendous effect on history. This book showed Montesquieu's views on government, the most important one being the separation of powers. Montesquieu's ideas on the seperation of powers are an essential part of the United States government today, and have also influenced many other governments. -
America declares Independence
One of the most important events regarding my life today was when America declared independence from Great Britain. This started with the idea of rebellion, and then ended up causing the American Revolution and the thirteen colonies forming a new country. The Declaration of Independence convinced the colonists that they should rebel and become independent from Great Britain, which led to America being a country today. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a key part in history. It caused the peasants in France to have as much power in government as the nobles, and to the church being eradicated from the government. It also led to the French government becoming more and more radical, and ended in the Reign of Terror. However, the French Revolution caused most of the French population to have more rights overall. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
When Napoleon overthrew the Directory through a coup d'etat, it was a much-needed change in power for the French. Napoleon was a great general and leader, so he gave the people of France a better life. Napoleon gaining power was an incredibly important event in the history of France and the world. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
Napoleon crowning himself emperor and beginning to create a vast European empire was an important event in French history. He ended up making France a large empire while winning the hearts of the French population. Also, this event led to Napoleon's era of power and when he took over Spain, it caused multiple revolutions in Latin America. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
When Haiti won its freedom from France, it was an extremely important event for the slaves in Haiti. During the revolution, the slaves revolted and fought the French colonists of Haiti. The colonists then turned to the British for help. This caused the French government to think of the colonists as traitors, and consider the slaves as being above the colonists. This was the first and only time when slaves themselves truly broke free, and thus it was an important event in history. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
When Padre Hidalgo called for Mexican Independence, it was the first step to the Mexican Revolution. This led to people truly considering revolting against Spain and becoming independent. Padre Hidalgo marched to what was then Tenochtitlan. Although he was arrested and killed right away, without Padre Hidalgo, Mexico could still be a Spanish colony. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
When Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo, it marked the end of his rule, and was his last battle. When Napoleon lost almost all of his 400,000 troops in Russia, he was exiled to the island of Elba. He then escaped, came back to France, and decided to fight the British and the Prusssians in what would be known as the Battle of Waterloo. After Napoleon lost this battle, he was exiled to St. Helena, where he eventually died. This was the last step in the downfall of Napoleon.
