Enlightenment

By rtouchstone2
  • 1302

    The Estate System

    The Estate System
    Unequal social hierarchy with the privileged First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) and the burdened Third Estate.

  • Enlightenment Ideas

    Enlightenment Ideas
    Spread of concepts like liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

  • Montesquieu

    Montesquieu
    French political philosopher who proposed the separation of powers in government.

  • Voltaire

    Voltaire
    French philosopher known for his critiques of religion and advocacy for religious tolerance.

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Jean-Jacques Rousseau
    Philosopher who wrote "The Social Contract" and emphasized the concept of the "noble savage".

  • Denis Diderot

    Denis Diderot
    French philosopher and editor of the Encyclopedia. a major dissemination of Enlightenment ideas.

  • Adam Smith

    Adam Smith
    Scottish economist who developed the theory of capitalism in "The Wealth of Nations".

  • Cesarce Beccaria

    Cesarce Beccaria
    Italian philosopher who advocated for criminal justice reform in "On Crimes and Punishments".

  • Marie Antoinette

    Marie Antoinette
    Queen of France, often associated with extravagance and unpopularity.

  • Maximilien Robespierre

    Maximilien Robespierre
    Radical revolutionary leader during the Reign of Terror.

  • George Danton

    George Danton
    Revolutionary leader who was eventually executed during the Reign of Terror.

  • American Revolution

    American Revolution
    Inspiration from the successful American rebellion against British rule.

  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

    Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
    Document outlining fundamental rights and freedoms.

  • Storming of the Bastille

    Storming of the Bastille
    Popular uprising in Paris on July 14, 1789, marking the start of the revolution.

  • Absolutism of Louis XVI

    Absolutism of Louis XVI
    Weak leadership and perceived excesses of the monarchy.

  • Reign of Terror

    Reign of Terror
    Period of radical violence and executions led by Maximilien Robespierre.

  • The Directory

    The Directory
    A weak, unstable government that followed the Reign of Terror.

  • Coup d'etat of 18 Brumaire

    Coup d'etat of 18 Brumaire
    Napolean's seizure of power in France.

  • Napoleonic Wars

    Napoleonic Wars
    Series of military campaigns across Europe led by Napoleon.

  • The Napoleonic Code

    The Napoleonic Code
    Legal reforms instituted by Napoleon, establishing civil law.

  • Battle of Austerlitz

    Battle of Austerlitz
    Considered Napoleon's greatest military victory.

  • Continental System

    Continental System
    Economic blockade aimed at isolating Britian.

  • Exile to St. Helena

    Exile to St. Helena
    Napoleon's final exile after his defeat at Waterloo.