On August 4, 1789, the National Constituent Assembly of France decreed the equality before the law of all French citizens and officially abolished feudal privileges. By the end of that same month, it approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, marking the practical beginning of the Revolution. The spark that […]
Revolutions
Posted inModern Era
The Revolutionary Aristocrat Who Voted for the Execution of Louis XVI, Changed His Name to “Philippe Equality” and Was the Father of the Last King of France
“Let’s not waste time. You’ll do it more easily when I’m dead. Let’s get it over with as soon as possible!” These were the last words spoken by Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, addressed to his executioner on the scaffold as the latter tried to remove his boots before guillotining him. The condemned man […]
Posted inModern Era
The Gag Law: How the United States Ended the Republic of Puerto Rico in 72 Hours
Puerto Rico holds the status of a free associated state with the U.S., and although its residents lack the right to vote in presidential elections, they have been U.S. citizens since the enactment of the Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917. This law eliminated the direct guardianship that Washington exercised over the island, authorized the creation of […]
