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Montesquieu publishes book, On the Spirit of Laws
On the Spirit of Laws covered a wide range of topics in politics, the law, and sociology. Montesquieu advocates constitutionalism and the separation of powers, the abolition of slavery, the preservation of civil liberties and the rule of law, and more. -
America declares independence
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. Now, we are an independent country, free from England's rule. Every July 4 we celebrate our independence. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
A coup d'etat is a sudden seizure of power. This is what Napoleon did. He came to France when it was, quite frankly, a mess, and offered his services. He proclaimed himself one of three consuls, the other two of which he quicky got rid of, and France was happy to oblige. They needed a strong ruler. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
After he was a consul, Napoleon decided he wanted more power. He declared himself emperor and began expanding and conquering. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
The Haitian Revolution is regarded as a defining moment in the history of Africans in the New World because very few rebellions actually work. The Haitian revolution was successful, and they acheived permanent independence. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
On September 16, 1810, Padre Hidalgo, priest of the village of Dolores, gathered his congregation of Indians and mestizos and called for Mexican independence, with the exile or arrest of all Spaniards in Mexico who had oppressed and exploited the native populations for hundreds of years. -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
This was Napoleon's final battle. He was defeated, and was exiled to St Helene, where he remained for the rest of his life.
