World History Timeline

By Emma Hornung

  • Publication of John Locke's "Two Treatises on Government"

    Publication of John Locke's "Two Treatises on Government"
    This was about the concept natural rights, life, liberty, and property.

  • Publication of Montesquieu's "The Spirit of the Laws"

    Publication of Montesquieu's "The Spirit of the Laws"
    This advocated for branches in the government that had balanced distribution of power.
  • Period: to

    The publication of the Encyclopedia

    A collection of knowledge that aimed to disperse Enlightenment ideas a wider audience. Here is a link to photos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A9die

  • Publication of Rousseau's "The Social Contract"

    Publication of Rousseau's "The Social Contract"
    This work was about citizens agreeing to give up some freedoms in exchange for the protection of a government. But that they have the right to abolish the government if it fails to uphold these rights.
  • Period: to

    American Revolution

    This famous revolution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals and lead to the founding of a new nation based off of ideas like individual liberty and representative government. https://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution/pictures

  • Charles-Alexandre de Calonne France’s controller general of finances, assembles nobles and representatives of the bourgeoisie to discuss the country’s budget deficit.

    Charles-Alexandre de Calonne France’s controller general of finances, assembles nobles and representatives of the bourgeoisie to discuss the country’s budget deficit.
    Calonne suggests taxing the privileged classes, but the assembly refuses to take responsibility. Instead, the assembly suggests convening the Estates-General, which has not met since 1614.