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Montesquieu publishes book, "On the Spirit of Laws"
Montesquieu was a French writer who devoted himself to the study of political liberty. He wrote the book "On the Spirit of Laws" where he proposed the idea of separation of powers and how it would keep an individual/group from earning total control of the government. -
America declares independence
In July, the Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson. This famous document ended by declaring the colonies' separation from Britain. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was caused by social inequalities in the Old Regime. Due to the decline of the economy, and the eagerness to change government from the Third Estate; this prompted new beliefs and the effect of proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
During this time, the Directory of France had lost control of the political situation and the belief/confidence from the people. Friends told Napoleon that he should take over, so under his command, troops drove out the Directory.He then established a group of three consuls, and assumed the power of a dictator. (was a coup d’etat) -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
Napoleon decides to crown himself emperor and the French emperor supported him. Napoelon took crown of emperor from the pop, signaling he was more powerful than the church. This was the start of him ruling and creating a huge Euroepean empire. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
Haiti becomes "the first black colony to ever free itself from European control" Lieutenant Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared the colony an independent country. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
Padre Hidalgo was a priest in the village of Dolores. He believed in many Enlightenment ideas. He rang the bells of his village church and "issued a call for rebellion against the Spanish." Him and his followers began to march towars Mexico City. This was the call for Mexcian Independence. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
At this battle Napoelon was defeated by the British and Prussian forces. This ended Napoleon "last bid for power." It was Napoleon "Meeting his Waterloo" a common phrase today.
