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Period: 1543 to
Scientific Revolution
It threatened the feudal ideas of the church and government being the only source of knowledge and also brought up the idea of learning through observation rather than belief. It was one of the leading events to the Enlightenment. -
Galileo Galilei supports the heliocentric theory
It threatened the feudal ideas of the church and government being the only source of knowledge and also brought up the idea of learning through observation rather than belief. It was one of the leading events to the Enlightenment. -
Period: to
English Civil War
Through the war, the idea of the divine right of kings was put to an end. Also, The basis and groundwork of the modern united kingdom parliament and monarchy was set. -
Hobbes's Leviathan is published
One of the first and most influential texts that brought up one of the key Enlightenment ideals, the social contract. -
Glorious Revolution
Otherwise known as the The Revolution of 1688, the Glorious Revolution was the time period when there was a shift from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and the Parliament became the ruling power. -
Locke’s Two Treatises on Government is published
One of the most influential texts especially on the constitution which outlines the ideas of the state of nature, equality and natural rights. -
Period: to
Enlightenment
The Enlightenment mainly challenged feudal ideas of the traditional monarchy as well as brought up many ideas of equality, the ability to change and the idea of independent rights and liberties. As it spread throughout Europe it prompted many to question the monarchy and the feudal systems set in place and ultimately rebel. -
Diderot Publishes First Volumes of Encyclopedia
The first Encyclopedia reminded the people of the Enlightenment ideals and prompted them to fight for their return. -
Period: to
Louis XVI’s reign
Due to his poor leadership, the economy crumbled and there was an economic downfall. His lack of leadership skills also enraged the third estate, helping to inspire revolution. -
Lexington and Concord
With the American victory at Lexington and Concord, King Louis XVI, decided to aid the Americans, which contributed to the collapse of the French economy. -
Period: to
American Revolution
With the successful American Revolution, the French people saw hope in their own success in revolution and became motivated to rebel against the monarchy. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was one of the greeted influences of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in 1789. Its similarities include, the enlightenment ideals equality, natural rights and popular sovereignty, etc. -
National Assembly is formed in France
The National Assembly played a major role in the French Revolution through representing the third estate and demanding change both socially and economically. -
Declaration of Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen became one of the most important documents in the French Revolution. It officially defeated the social hierarchy and the absolute monarchy. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath led to the creation of the National Assembly and drafting of a new constitution which created a constitutional monarchy, limiting the powers of the king. -
Legislative Assembly is formed in France
It replaced the National assembly as well as defeated the idea of absolute power in monarchy. It also was one of the main changes made by the first constitution made after the French Revolution. -
Bill of Rights signed
The successful passing of the bill of rights prompted the French people to want the same and fight for the same. It was also one of the influences of the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen. -
Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women is published
This text challenged the idea of a woman's place in society as well as pushed for gender equality in education, politics, work and rights. -
Execution of Louis XVI
The traditional monarchy was effectively put to an end and the constitution of 1791 was put in place. -
Period: to
Reign of Terror
France being led by Robespire experienced a time of bloodshed where tens of thousands of people were killed for being supposed enemies of the revolution which broke many Enlightenment ideals and was only effectively put to an end with the execution of Robespierre. -
Execution of Marrie Antoinette
Marked the official defeat of the idea of absolute monarchy and the old ways of France. It motivated people to continue the revolution. -
Napoleon’s coup
Napoleon's coup marked the official end of the French Revolution. Once again, there was an absolute ruler, ruling over France.