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Newton's "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica"
Isaac Newton's work laid the foundation for classical mechanics, symbolizing the triumph of reason and scientific inquiry during the Enlightenment. -
The Encyclopédie
Edited by Denis Diderot, this comprehensive reference work aimed to compile knowledge and promote Enlightenment ideals, encouraging critical thought. -
Voltaire’s "Candide"
A satirical critique of optimism and philosophy that encouraged critical thinking and social reform, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. -
Publication of "The Social Contract"
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's work argued for collective sovereignty, influencing democratic ideas and the concepts of political legitimacy. -
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Enlightenment Entries
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Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations"
This publication provided a foundation for modern economics, arguing for free market principles and the importance of self-interest in economic transactions. -
The Estates-General Convenes
King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General to address the financial crisis in France, representing the clergy, nobility, and common people, marking the beginning of political changes. -
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French Revolution entries
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Tennis Court Oath
Members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established, symbolizing a unified challenge to royal authority. -
Storming of the Bastille
Parisians stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal tyranny, marking the uprising that sparked the French Revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
This document articulated the goals of the revolution, asserting individual rights and the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. -
Women's March on Versailles
Thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles demanding bread and political reforms, leading to the royal family’s return to Paris. -
Reign of Terror
A period of extreme political repression led by Robespierre, resulting in thousands of executions and a climate of fear. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was tried and executed by guillotine, representing a radical shift in power and the abolishment of the monarchy. -
Thermidorian Reaction
The overthrow of Robespierre ended the Reign of Terror, leading to a more moderate phase of the revolution. -
Formation of the Directory
A new government structure established after the fall of the Committee of Public Safety, known for corruption and instability. -
Napoleon's Coup d'État
Napoleon Bonaparte seized control of the government, effectively ending the French Revolution and leading to the establishment of the Consulate. -
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Napoleon Entries
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The Napoleonic Code
A comprehensive set of civil laws implemented by Napoleon that influenced legal systems worldwide by emphasizing equality before the law. -
Coronation as Emperor
Napoleon crowned himself emperor at Notre-Dame Cathedral, consolidating his power and signaling the establishment of the First French Empire. -
Battle of Austerlitz
One of Napoleon’s greatest victories against Austria and Russia, cementing his status as a formidable military leader in Europe. -
The Continental System
Napoleon's economic blockade against Britain intended to weaken its economy and assert French dominance, which ultimately led to resentment across Europe. -
Treaty of Tilsit
An agreement between Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I, establishing French dominance in Europe and temporarily aligning their interests against Britain. -
Invasion of Russia
Napoleon led his troops into Russia, which ultimately resulted in a disastrous retreat due to harsh winter conditions and scorched earth tactics. -
Abdication of Napoleon
Facing defeat and pressure from the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon abdicated the throne and was exiled to Elba. -
Napoleon's Return from Elba
After a brief exile, Napoleon returned to France, reclaiming power and sparking the Hundred Days before his final defeat at Waterloo. -
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon's final defeat by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, leading to his exile to Saint Helena and the end of the Napoleonic Wars. -
Exile to Saint Helena
Following his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he lived until his death in 1821. -
The Start of World War II
This is when Germany invaded Poland. It was the event that began the war in Europe and led to many terrible things happening, especially to Jewish people. -
The Einsatzgruppen Massacres
These were groups of soldiers that went around killing Jews and others during the war. They were responsible for a lot of very sad and horrible events during this time. -
The Wannsee Conference
This was a meeting where Nazi leaders got together to plan how to get rid of all the Jews in Europe. They talked about how to make this happen in a very organized way. -
The Liberation of Concentration Camps
At the end of the war, soldiers from other countries found camps where Jews and others had been held and treated very badly. When these camps were freed, the world learned about the terrible things that happened there. -
The Nuremberg Trials
After the war, some very important leaders from Germany were put on trial for the awful things they did, including hurting many, many people. These trials helped to show how serious their crimes were and aimed to give justice to the victims.