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Period: 1543 to
Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution was the transition from the Dark Ages. People began to use science and reasoning to question previous beliefs and form ideas for themselves. They were encouraged to challenge the power of the church, and were able to come up with their own beliefs. Many citizens at this time stopped relying on the ideas of others, such as the church. This allowed for people to grow and make advancements in science. -
Galileo Supports the Heliocentric Theory
The church supported the geocentric theory, and previously, the church was deemed accurate and was never questioned. Due to this, the idea that Galileo supported the heliocentric theory caused controversy. He continued to examine the ideals of the church, and published the book, "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems," after being put on house arrest because his beliefs differed from church teachings. With this book, all citizens learned about the heliocentric theory. -
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English Civil War
The English Civil War marked the end of absolute monarchy in England. This was an extremely new and revolutionary idea, since no limited monarchy had previously been created. France then heard about this idea, and eventually created their own constitutional monarchy, limiting the power of King Louis XVI. -
Hobbe's "Leviathan" is published
"Leviathan" was written at the time of the English Civil War. In his book, Hobbes pushed for the idea of a social contract. He wanted the government to be strong and centralized, but also get support from the people before making decisions. These ideas influenced the United States Constitution, which eventually influenced France's constitutions. -
Locke's "Two Treatises on Government" is published
In "Two Treatises on Government," Locke worked to justify England's new government. He defended the idea of natural law as well as natural rights. He believed that the life, liberty, and property of people were to be protected at all costs, and that in order to gain this protection, people would have to give up some things. This idea later on inspired the French Revolution, as Third Estate members were able to see that their natural rights were being taken advantage of. -
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Enlightenment
After the Scientific Revolution, people applied scientific ideas towards nature and life. They thought about government, and created new forms of it. People were encouraged to fight for their rights and were constantly challenging the beliefs of others. Ideas such as natural rights, popular sovereignty, self-determination, and equality emerged. -
Diedrot Publishes First Volumes of Encyclopedias
The encyclopedias heavily influenced the Enlightenment. People were able to think and gain knowledge for themselves, allowing for them to become more intelligent and informed. His ideas were later banned in France because the government did not want citizens to have their own ideas on how society should run. However, Diedrot's encyclopedias helped people form their own ideas instead of relying purely on the teachings of the government. -
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Louis XVI's Reign
Louis XVI led France into economic distress as well as starvation. He was a poor ruler who did not care for politics or government, and was not wise. The people of France revolted around him, as he was not able to provide for common citizens. This led to the French Revolution, where new a new government was formed in order to make society more just. -
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American Revolution
During the American Revolution, America gained freedom from Britain. They became independent with the help of France. After seeing this, the French Revolution was inspired. Americans had newfound freedom and justice, as well as no monarchy, and many French citizens wanted this for themselves. -
Lexington and Concord
The battle of Lexington and Concord started the Revolutionary War. It marked the first time when Americans took action and revolted against Britain. After Lexington and Concord, the Revolutionary War continued until America was an independent country. Following this, France started their revolution, in hopes overthrowing their government. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence determined the specific rights of American citizens. It highlighted their freedoms and pushed for the idea of equality. This document influenced France's Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, where they laid out the rights for French citizens. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution led to the limited monarchy in England. The Glorious Revolution established the idea of Parliament ruling England, rather than one sole monarch. The rights of people were protected, and citizens had more freedoms. France, inspired by the Glorious Revolution in England, started a revolution to limit the power of their monarchs as well. -
National Assembly is Formed in France
The National Assembly was formed after the Third Estate was locked out of the Estates - General meeting. They met outside and decided that they would not agree to any laws until a new constitution was drafted. The people who would fight for justice and help draft the constitution were named the National Assembly. -
Legislative Assembly is Formed in France
The Legislative Assembly was formed under the limited monarchy, which came from the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. A Constitutional monarchy checked the powers of the king and queen, and the Legislative Assembly was the new government. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man was a document, written by the National Assembly, that adopted the various ideas of the Third Estate. It outlined their freedoms and rights, and was crafted after the English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Constitution. The DOROMAC allowed for citizens to fight to keep their rights, and gave hope for a future in which they were all equal. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath was a promise the Third Estate made, stating that they would not stop until France had a new and fair constitution. The event, later considered to be the start of the French Revolution, allowed for the Third Estate to fight for their rights and create a just form of government. Absolute monarchy was ended due to this, allowing for freedoms and laws to become more fair. -
Bill of Rights Signed
The Bill of Rights guaranteed certain liberties and freedoms that could not be taken away. Tying in with the idea of natural rights, the Bill of Rights allowed for people to have more freedoms and opportunities. The Bill of Rights provided an example of equality as well as a social contract for France to follow. -
Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" is published
"A Vindication of the Rights of Women" helped establish the idea that women, as well as men, were capable of working and doing more than household chores. It helped inspire women's rights, as well as more opportunities for them. In "A Vindication of the Rights of Women," women are portrayed to be strong and capable. -
Execution of Louis XVI
Louis XVI had failed to support France, and led them into a state of economic crisis. Due to this, his execution proved to be the end of the monarchy in France. People began to fear monarchs, and agreed with more radical ideas. When the radicals executed him, the Reign of Terror began. -
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Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a time period in which French citizens, if thought to be against the government, were purged. Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, the group that decided which citizens would get killed. After the Reign of Terror ended, people began to fear radical ideas. Robespierre had extremely radical beliefs, causing people to then want a more conservative government. -
Execution of Marrie Antoinette
Robespierre assumed power and the Reign of Terror began. During this time period, Marie Antoinette was executed for treason, after trying to escape to Austria. To the radicals and Parisians, this marked the end of monarchy and the start to a republic, which would provide more justice for citizens. -
Napoleon's Coup
Napoleon's Coup ended the French Revolution, overthrowing France's Directory. Since the Directory had lost support of many citizens, Napoleon gained power. He began to conquer lands and expand France's empire all throughout Europe.