Enlightenment4

Enlightenment Timeline

  • John Locke

    John Locke
    John Locke was an English philosopher who created ideas and became an inspiration during the Enlightenment. His ideas on political liberalism initiated the idea throughout Europe.
  • Creation of the Newtonian Telescope

    Creation of the Newtonian Telescope
    Isaac Newton created his version of one of the first telescopes. It is a classic mirror telescope which was believed to be first developed by Galileo Galilei.
  • Glorious Revolution

    Glorious Revolution
    Seeking a new monarch, a revolution was brought forth to overthrow King James II. His daughter and son in law, William and Mary, were brought in and proclaimed as the new monarchs.
  • Beginning of the Enlightenment

    Beginning of the Enlightenment
    The Enlightenment was known as the Age of Reason and believed to be a time in which people sought more explanation or purpose for certain parts of life. It was an intellectual yet personal time to find more meaning in everything people did as well as learn more.
  • Print during the Enlightenment

    Print during the Enlightenment
    Printed materials became popular during the Enlightenment. It increased literacy skills for people and brought new mediums to communicate news or events.
  • Separation of Powers

    Separation of Powers
    Baron de Montesquieu established a system known as the separation of powers in which he sought to balance different levels of government and limit what each one is able to do. Different responsibilities are given and we can see this balance in today's governments, as well.
  • King Louis XVI

    King Louis XVI
    King Louis XVI was the last king of France before the monarchy fell during the French Revolution. His ruling was of negative outcomes since he spent money to live lavishly while his people lived as peasants. Eventually he was convicted along with his wife later on and executed.
  • Marie Antoinette

    Marie Antoinette
    Marie Antoinette was the wife of King Louis XVI. Along with her husband, Marie Antoinette lived a rich lifestyle and adhered to spending money on luxurious items while their people lived in poor conditions. She was executed nine months after her husband for treason.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte

    Napoleon Bonaparte
    Napoleon Bonaparte assumed his role of Emperor after the overthrow of the French monarchy. He was a French military leader who conquered most of Europe and eventually saw exile.
  • Start of the French Revolution

    Start of the French Revolution
    The French Revolution was a movement that spanned 12 years. Its main objective was the dissolvement of ruling under King Louis XVI who abused his power and left the people of France in turmoil. It showed the power of people and how strong they were to overcome harsh times.
  • Tennis Court Oath

    Tennis Court Oath
    The Third Estate, known later as the National Assembly, noticed they were surrounded by soldiers and locked inside. Thinking they were under attack, they made an oath there not to separate and stay where they were no matter what.
  • Storming of the Bastille

    Storming of the Bastille
    French citizens stormed the Bastille and overthrew the famous prison. What was supposed to be a symbol of the French monarchy instead became a symbol of a defining moment in the revolution.
  • Royal Family's Attempt to Flee

    Royal Family's Attempt to Flee
    King Louis and Marie Antoinette attempted to flee to Austria to escape imprisonment for their actions. They were spotted and sent back to Paris to await their fate. Their reason for fleeing to Austria was because Marie's brother was the Emperor of Austria.
  • Reign of Terror

    Reign of Terror
    The Reign of Terror was a period in which numerous deaths took place. The purpose was to rid the country of protestors of the revolution in order to protect it.
  • King Louis XVI's Execution

    King Louis XVI's Execution
    King Louis XVI was convicted and sentenced to execution by guillotine on January 1st, 1793. The monarchy was also abolished by the National Assembly, ending the reign.
  • Execution of Robespierre

    Execution of Robespierre
    Maximillien Robespierre was a well known figure of the French Revolution. As part of the Reign of Terror, the people ordered his execution due to his tyrannical logic. He also faced the guillotine.
  • Battle of Austerlitz

    Battle of Austerlitz
    Known as Napoleon's greatest victory, his intellect was an important factor as he used his wit to trick his enemies. He and his troops consisting of 68,000 defeated 90,000 Russian troops.
  • Treaty of Fontainebleau

    Treaty of Fontainebleau
    The treaty was an agreement to have Napoleon exiled and have his rule end. He was forced to Elba.
  • Battle of Waterloo

    Battle of Waterloo
    The Battle of Waterloo was Napoleon's defeat. After being exiled to Elba, he returned to reclaim his seat in power. The British army that also included Belgian. Dutch, and German troops fought against the French and defeated Napoleon and his forces.
  • Hundred Days

    Hundred Days
    This period consisted of Napoleon's return from exile. The Congress of Vienna had declared him an outlaw and sought to have his rule end.