In 1871 the prussian king proclaimed himself emperor of the the second german empire, following the holy roman empire—which embraced almost all german-speaking peoples outside austria and switzerland in a powerful and dynamic national state.

John Locke (1632-1704)John Locke was English philosopher who formulated one of the most influential theories of contractual government. He theorized that individuals granted political rights to their rulers but retained personal right to life, liberty and property and that any ruler that violated those rights was subject to disposition. In effect, Locke's political thought relocated sovereignty, removing it from rulers as divine agents and vesting it in the people of a society.Louis XVI (reigned 1774-1793)King Louis XVI was the king of France. He was able to raise more revenue from the overburdened peasantry, so he sought to increase taxes on the French nobility, which had long been exempt from many levies. In May 1789, he called the Estates General into session at the royal palace of Versailles in hopes that it would authorize new taxes. After revolution was declared, he became a victim of the guillotine along with his wife, Queen Marie Antoinette after being found guilty of treason.Maximilien Robespierre (1758-1794)Maximilien Robespierre was a lawyer by training who had emerged during the revolution as a ruthless but popular, radical known as "the Incorruptible". He dominated the Committee of Public Safety, the executive authority of the Republic. He helped to promote the revolutionary agenda.