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Montesquieu publishes book, On The Spirit of Laws
In "On The Spirit of Laws," Montesquieu expreses his belief in the importance of the seperation of powers in government. -
America Declares Independence
In July of 1776, the Second Continetal Congress issues the Declaration of Independence, a document which proclaimes the American colonies their independence from Great Britain. -
French Revolution
In 1789, the French Revolution begins and over the next several years French government and society is rapidly transformed. -
Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d’etat
In Novemeber of 1799 Napoleon, with the help of the military, seizes control of the French governement and dissolves the Directory. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor, begins to create a vast European Empire
In 1804 in Paris Napoleon is crowned Emperor of France by Pope Pious VII. As the Pope is placing the crown on his head, Napolean grabs it and puts in on himself. -
Haiti wins freedom from France
In 1804, after a long slave revolt in the French colony St. Domingue black African slaves defeat the French and found the independent state of Haiti. -
Padre Hidalgo calls for Mexican Independence
In 1810, Padre Miguel Higaldo issues a call for rebellion against the Spanish. This speech is today known as "grito de Dolores" or "The Cry of Dolores." -
Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo
In 1815, Napoleon is defeated by the Britsh and Prussian armies led by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in Belgium. After his defeat, Napoleon is exilied to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic where he dies 6 years later.
