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Montesquieu published book, On the Spirit of Laws
In 1748, Baron de Montesquieu published the book, On the Sprit of Laws. This book prsented many of Montesquieu's theories including the respect for the role of history and shaping a nation's political structure. -
America declares Independence
In 1776 the Continental Congress met and created the Declaration of Independece and then declared independene from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence listed the unfair treatment of the colonists such as unfair taxes and laws that caused the colonists to rebel and declare independencde. -
French Revolution
The main cause of the revolution was the disputes between the social classes. The First Estate was the catholic church, the Second Estate was made up of nobles, and the Third Estate was made up of peasants and workers. The people, mostly made up of the third estate, revolted using inspiration from the American Revolution and Enlightenment ideas. Finally, a new government was formed made up of a two-house legislature and executive body made up of 5 men called a directory. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory in a coup'd'etat
Napoleon had just returned from a loss in Egypt, but told the people he had won. He opened fire on 600 Royalists and became known as the" Savior of the Republic". He then overthrew the directory and became the first consul. -
Haiti Wins Freedom from France
Haiti, formerly known as Saint Domingue, was the first Latin American terriotory to free itself from European rule. Over 100,000 slave revolted against their masters, and a leader emerged, Toussaint L'Ouverture. The French captured Toussant though after they believed he was planning another uprising, and they sent him to a prison in the French Alps. Toussaint's lieutenant, Jean - Jacques Dessalines took up the firght for freedom, and in 1804 he declared the colony an independent country. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor, begins to Create a Vast European Empire
In 1804 a plebiscite was held, and Napoleon was declared emperor of France. During the crowning ceremony Napoleon took the crown from Pope Pius VII and placed it own his own head to show how he had more power than the Pope. After becoming emperor Napoleon fought in many battles and wars against countries such as Austria, Russia, and Britian. Napoleon expanded his empire so he had control of much of Europe. -
Padre Hidalgo Calls for Mexican Independence
In 1810, Padre Hidalgo a priest in a small village rang the bells of his church. When the peasants gathered he issued a call for rebellion against the Spanish. About 80,000 Indian and Mestizo followers of Hidalgo marched toward Mexico City, but the Spanish army defeated the followers. An new hero rose and led the revolution, Padre Jose Maria Morelos, but he was defeted by Augustin de Iturbide, a Creole Officer. Creoles leaders united and declared Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. -
Napoleon is Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
in 1804, The British and the Prussians worked together to defeat Napoleon. Napoleon's plan was to defeating the British, and once he reached the Prussians they would retreat. However it had rained, and Napoleon was waiting for the ground to harden so his horses could run faster. The Duke of Wellington, who was the head of the British armies, saw his chance and told the Prussian forces to join them and defeat the French forces. After his loss Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena where he died.
