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1543
Nicolaus Copernicus
Copernicus developed his heliocentric theory, hypothesizing the Earth's revolution around the Sun, between 1515-1530. His theory refuted the geocentric vision of the system according to Ptolemy of Alexandria that had been the only accepted explanation for centuries. -
Francis Bacon
Testing hypotheses. In order to test potential truths, or hypotheses, Bacon devised a method whereby scientists set up experiments to manipulate nature and attempt to prove their hypotheses wrong. -
Galileo Galilei
Galileo was a natural philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who made fundamental contributions to the sciences of motion, astronomy, and strength of materials and to the development of the scientific method. He also made revolutionary telescopic discoveries, including the four largest moons of Jupiter. -
Rene Descartes
Rene Descartes had a very important role to play in the Scientific Revolution. Through his specialty in mathematics, he was able to transform geometrical problems into algebra. Further, he established the x and y-axis in his algebraic drawings. The modern notation for exponents was also a Rene Descartes innovation. -
Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton did several thing that positively affected the scientific community during the Scientific Revolution and still affect society today, he recognized the three laws of motion, discovered gravity, and co-developed calculus. -
John Locke
Often credited as a founder of modern “liberal” thought, Locke pioneered the ideas of natural law, social contract, religious toleration, and the right to revolution that proved essential to both the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution that followed. -
Montesquieu
In particular, Montesquieu's discussion of separation of powers and checks and balances profoundly influenced the American Founders and the design of the U.S. Constitution. It was not unusual for eighteenth century Americans to speak of Montesquieu as an “oracle” of political wisdom whose work is “always consulted.” -
Denis Diderot
Diderot's largest contribution to the Enlightenment era was by far his publication of "Encyclopedia or a Systematic Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, and Crafts." In this largely successful work, Diderot explored all human knowledge and provided readers with a deep analysis of nearly all aspects of human existence. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau's philosophies are believed to have influenced the American Revolution as well, as some of his ideas were drawn upon for the Declaration of Independence (1776). His ideas on democracy were incorporated into the United States government, as well as many others that followed. -
Voltaire
His books and pamphlets contained scores of assaults on church authority and clerical power. They criticized French political institutions too, and many incorporated elaborate defenses of civil liberty. Voltaire's ideas ultimately found expression in the French and American revolutions.Oct -
james watt
How did James Watt contribute to the Industrial Revolution? James Watt's steam engine had an enormous impact on 18th-century industrial society. It was both more efficient and more cost-effective than earlier models. -
Adam Smith
Finally, in March 1776, Smith published An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. This massive work of almost 1,000 pages was based on his exhaustive research and personal observations. Smith attacked government intervention in the economy and provided a blueprint for free markets and free trade. -
George Washington
George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775. Despite having little experience in commanding large, conventional military forces, his leadership presence and fortitude held the American military together long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and independence for his new nation in 1781. -
Thomas Jefferson
As the “silent member” of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence. In years following he labored to make its words a reality in Virginia. Most notably, he wrote a bill establishing religious freedom, enacted in 1786. Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as minister to France in 1785. -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart composed music in several genres, including opera and symphony. His most famous compositions included the motet Exsultate, Jubilate, K 165 (1773), the operas The Marriage of Figaro (1786) and Don Giovanni (1787), and the Jupiter Symphony (1788). In all, Mozart composed more than 600 pieces of music. -
Maximillien Robespierre
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre (1758-1794) was a French lawyer who became one of the primary leaders of the French Revolution (1789-1799). From his initial rise to stardom in the Jacobin Club, Robespierre went on to dominate the powerful Committee of Public Safety and oversee the Reign of Terror -
Miguel Hidalgo
On September 16, 1810—the date now celebrated as Mexican Independence Day—Hidalgo issued the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”), calling for the end of Spanish rule, for racial equality, and for redistribution of land. The speech effectively launched the Mexican War of Independence (1810–21). -
Simon Bolivar
Crisis Manager. Simón Bolivar is remembered today as the greatest leader of South American independence. Highly influenced by the examples of the United States, the French Revolution and Napoleon, he led a massive revolt against Spanish colonial rule in South America, beginning in 1810.