Englightenment hero

The Enlightenment Timeline

  • Newtons "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" is published.

    Newton's book was significant to the Enlightenment because it allowed for many other thinkers to build off Newton's ideas and create their own.
  • John Locke publishes his Two Treatise of Government

    This was significant because it influenced other Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu and Rousseau.
  • Voltaire writes and publishes "Philosophical Letters on the English"

    This is significant because he is praising that the English constitution and sharing his ideas like never before.
  • Freemasonry was created in Europe

    This was significant because all the ideas and philosophies of the Enlightenment was engraved in Freemasonry.
  • "Spirit of Laws" is written and published by Montesqiue

    This was significant because again, it illustrated ideas that have a major effect on society during that time.
  • The Encyclopedie is published in Paris

    This event is important because it showcases Enlightenment ideas in published book. It also showcases the middle class which was a growing theme in the Enlightenment.
  • Rousseau publishes "The Social Contract"

    This was important to the Enlightenment because it advocated for the spirit of the Enlightenment in that the goal was to achieve positive political reform.
  • Voltaire writes and publishes "The Treatise on Toleration"

    This was greatly significant because he argued for religious toleration because he believed religious intolerance was against the law of nature.
  • King Louis XVI's becomes King in France

    This was significant because it shows a new era to not only France but also to Europe and The Enlightenment.
  • Adam Smith publishes "The Wealth of Nations"

    This is greatly significant because it is considered one of the first stepping stones for modern economics.
  • Americans win independence from the English

    This was significant because it showed that checks and balances, freedom of religion and, press could actually be achieved in a real, functioning government.
  • Mary Wollstonecraft writes and publishes "A Vindication of the Rights of Women"

    This was very significant because it was the first and most important document of feminism during that time.