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Montesquieu Publishes Book, "On the Spirit of Laws"
"On the Spirit of Laws", written anonymously by Montesquieu, was an esteemed novel published during the enlightenment age that pushed for separation of power within the government and the abolishment of slavery, and it later influenced the American government separating into three branches and creating a system of checks and balances. -
America Declares Independence
In 1776, about a year and a half after the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, officially separating America from the monarchy of England. -
French Revolution
After King Louis declined the request to budget his spending, the French people suspected he was preparing for a rebellion. In response to the King's statement and other grievances the government had caused, the citizens stormed the Bastille in search of gun powder and broke into Versailles. -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory Through a Coup D'Etat
After returning from a battle in Egypt where he had been general, some of Napoleon's peers suggested he try to take power during France's unstable state. With the help of the army and several government members, Napoleon dissolved the legistlature and made himself first consul of a military dictatorship. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor, Begins to Create Vast European Empire
For his crowning ceremony, Napoloen decided to crown himself, which was usually done by the pope. This signified his power of the church. Napoleon's being crowned began his reign as a military dictator. -
Haiti Wins Freedom from France
The Haitian Revolution, which took place in the Frencg colony of Saint-Domingue, is largely considered one of the most successful slave rebellions of all time. There were lots of slaves on the island because the main crop in that area was sugar cane, which requires lots of attention. Because of this, the slave-to-colonist was 100-to1, whcih gave them a significant advantage. It ended with the creation of a new state, Haiti, and slavery being abolished there. -
Padre Hidalgo Calls for Mexican Independence
Padre Hidalgo, a well-educated priest from Dolores, called for the natives to rebel by ringing the church bells (which usually signaled time) irregularly. Unfortuanetly, he was eventually captured and executed. -
Napoleon is Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was one last battle against the coalition of countries against France's destruction of their monarchy. Napoleon had noticed that the grass on their battlefield was wet and wanted to wait and let the sun rise and dry the battlefield, allowing the opposition to have the time to ambush them. Napoleon was then defeated.
