-
Montesqieu publishes "On the Spirit of Laws"
Montesqieu proposed seperation of powers to prevent any individual from gaining total power, later called "Checks and Balances" -
America Declares Independence
Colonists issued the Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, declaring unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas were heavily inspired by Philosophe, John Locke. -
French Revolution
The 3rd estate voted to establish the National Assembly, ending absolute monarchy, and forming representative government -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d'etat
Returning from Egypt from the Battle of Trafalgar, Napoleon found the Directory had lost control of polotics and the confidence of the French people. His troops surrounded the National Legislature, and drove out most members. The remaining members voted to dissolve the directory, and established 3 consoles. Napoleon took the title of first console. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
Jean Jacques de Dessalines declared Haiti an independent country, the first black colony to fee itself. This followed a revolt of 100,000 slaves in 1791, led by Toussaint L'ouverture. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor
Dressed in splendid purple robes, Napoleon was crowned emperor by the pope, signaling that he was more powerful than the Church. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
Miguel Hidalgo rang the bells of his church to assemble the peasants in the village of Dolores. When assembled, Hidalgo issued a call for rebellion against the Spanish, known as the Grito de Dolores. -
Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
After coming back to power after exile, the European allies marshalled their armies near Waterloo under the Duke of Wellington. Napoleon attacked, and was defeated, after which, he was banished to St. Helena.