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Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws
On the Spirit of Laws was a book written by Baron de Montesquieu about how a constitutional government, separation of powers, and ending of slavery was critical to creating an empire -
America Declares Independence
In 1776, America declared independence from Britain in order to create an independent country under the name of the United States of America -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was when the common people of France were tired of being controlled and taxed heavily by their king. As an act of rebellion, the French people broke down the Bastille prison and created a constitutional government based on the three principles of Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
When the French created a new system of government, they created the Directory system, three people, consuls, with one more powerful consul who could command the army as the chief general. Napoleon wished to change this and performed a coup, or a rebellion that made him emperor -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself, instead of letting the pope crown him, as emperor. He completely changed the French government and created a monarchy, but where he began to win wars and expand the French empire -
Haiti wins freedom from France
The Haitian Revolution was the only successful slave revolution in history. Slaves overpowered the white minority and claimed the land of what is now Hispaniola -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
In the village of Dolores, the father of the church, Miguel Hidalgo, declares that Mexico should call for independence and fight for it, his proclamation is now called the Grito de Dolores -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
After Napoleon returned from exile in Elba, he realized that in order to stay in power, he needed a large victory. He decided to fight the Allied army at Waterloo, but lost his army to the Duke of Wellington