Enlightenment Illustrated Timeline

  • 1564

    Galileo Galilei

    Galileo Galilei
    Challenged the geocentric model with support of the heliocentric theory. Laid the foundation for the Enlightenment.
  • Isaac Newton

    Isaac Newton
    Defined the laws of motion and established the Enlightenment belief.
  • John Locke

    John Locke
    Writings that advocated for the protection of natural rights.
  • Voltaire

    Voltaire
    Advocated for the freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
  • Montesquieu

    Montesquieu
    Proposed the idea of separation of government
  • Encyclopedie

    Encyclopedie
    Work by Denis Diderot that compiled Enlightenment knowledge. Promoted thinking and new ideas about science, religion, politics, and society.
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Jean-Jacques Rousseau
    Introduced the concept of popular sovereignty and the idea that people should be involved in government decisions.
  • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

    The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
    Adopted by the National Assembly and declared the natural rights of men.
  • The Storming of the Bastille

    The Storming of the Bastille
    The start of the French Revolution. The Bastille prison was stormed to symbolize the overthrowing of the old regime.
  • The Reign of Terror

    The Reign of Terror
    Thousands were executed because they were perceived as enemies of the Revolution.
  • Execution of King Louis XVI

    Execution of King Louis XVI
    Executed after being convicted of treason.
  • Maximilien Robspierre

    Maximilien Robspierre
    Very influential leader during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
  • Napolean Bonapatre's Rise to Power

    Napolean Bonapatre's Rise to Power
    Established a new centralized government and brought stability
  • Napoleon's Coronation

    Napoleon's Coronation
    Crowned himself Emperor of the French and controlled the nation
  • Battle of Austerlitz

    Battle of Austerlitz
    Solidified Napoleon's dominance in Europe and showcased his military genius.
  • Napoleon's Russian Campaign

    Napoleon's Russian Campaign
    Invaded Russia and caused destruction of vital supplies.
  • The BAttle of Leipzig

    The BAttle of Leipzig
    Napoleon was defeated and signaled the decline of his empire.
  • Napoleon's Exile

    Napoleon's Exile
    After his defeat he was exiled to the island Elba
  • The Congress of Vienna

    The Congress of Vienna
    European powers meet to restore the political order before Napoleon.
  • The Battle of Waterloo

    The Battle of Waterloo
    Final defeat of Napoleon. This marked the end of his rule.