Enlightenment Timeline

Scientific Revolution

1550

Modern science blossomed during the Scientific Revolution. it brought forth new inventions and theories such as Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion and Nicolaus Copernicus' De revolutionibes orbium coelestium.

Beginning of the Enlightenment Period

1685

Also called the Age of Reason, the Enlightenment period began in 1685. It was the time of development in European politics, philosophy, and communications. The period brought forth the idea of humans improving through change.

Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica

1687

Isaac Newton was a renowned English physicist and mathematician who contributed important theories and solutions to the scientific revolution. One of his important works includes Principia Mathematica which includes the foundation for mechanics and Newton's Laws of Motion.

Glorious Revolution

1688

The overthrow of King James II was an important beginning to the Glorious Revolution, a "bloodless revolution" where he was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband William. This event established more power in parliament, limiting how much the monarch can contribute to ideas.

John Locke

1690

John Locke was an English philosopher who inspired political liberalism with his ideas. His most important piece of work in contribution to this period was his Essay Concerning Human Understanding.

Separation of Powers

1748

Baron de Montesquieu created a theory in which he claimed that different levels of government are required in order to allow each to become independent and work effectively.

French Revolution

1789

The French Revolution brought forth new ideas and big change to the French citizens. The idea of an absolute monarchy who had no desire to please their subjects brought displeasure and eventually led to the execution of King Louis XVI and his wife.

Meeting of the Estates General

1789

In order to resolve the financial crisis for France, King Louis XVI called on this famous meeting to begin a solution for this time.

Tennis Court Oath

Jun 20, 1789

This pivotal moment during the French Revolution represented compromise and the bravery of the National Assembly, whom after fearing attack by King Louis XVI, vowed to stay together and took an oath which was "not to separate and to reassemble whether circumstances require...".

Storming of the Bastille

Jul 14, 1789

Parisian forces and troops stormed the Bastille, an important fortress and prison that symbolized royal authority. This event signaled a protest in the monarchy's abuse of power over the people.

Women's March on Versailles

Oct 5, 1789

In order to protest the high prices and scarce amount of bread, women assembled in marketplaces. This laid a foundation for the Revolution which is where citizens sought a constitutional monarchy rather than absolute.

Champ de Mars Massacre

Jul 17, 1791

While protesting the decree of King Louis XVI remaining as their monarch, French citizens rallied against this and were eventually killed on orders from the Marquis de Lafayette. The name stems from the location where this fatal event happened: the Champ de Mars.

Attack on the Tuileries

Aug 10, 1792

Three years after the attack on Bastille, Parisian citizens targeted the royal residence of King Louis XVI called the Tuileries Palace. It was a result of the constant fear and oppression the people felt under this monarch.

Execution of King Louis XVI

1793

King Louis XVI's execution came a day after being convicted of "conspiracy with foreign powers". He was executed by guillotine in the Place de la Revolution. The worst part of this event had to be that his wife, Marie Antoinette, was forced to watch.

Execution of Marie Antoinette

1793

Nine months after her husband's execution, Marie Antoinette is convicted of treason and faces the same fate: execution by guillotine.

Napoleon Takes Power

1799

At the end of the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte enters into power as Emperor.

Treaty of Amiens

Mar 27, 1802

The famous treaty was signed to bring 14 months of peace during the Napoleonic Wars. It was signed at Amiens, France by important powers Britain, France, Spain, and the Batavian Republic.

Treaty of Fontainebleau

Apr 11, 1814

This famous treaty ended Napoleon's rule over France. He is banished to the island of Elba. Eventually he attempted to return to France to reclaim his place.

Battle of Waterloo

Jun 18, 1815

Known as Napoleon's final defeat, the Battle of Waterloo took place in Belgium. Napoleon had returned to reclaim his place in France after being abdicated, but he was ultimately captured after being defeated.

Napoleon Dies

1821

While being held as prisoner after his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte dies on the island of Saint Helena.