Untitled timeline

Voltaire

Birth

1694

Born in Paris, France

College Louis-le-Grand

1704

Entered College Louis-le-Grand, a Jesuit school

Enlightenment

1715

The kings court moved to Paris, marks France's start of Enlightenment

Exiled (Tulle)

1715

Exiled to Tulle for mocking the regent of Orleans.

Imprisonment

1717

Imprisoned in Bastille for poems against the government.

Oedipus

1718

One of Voltaire's best know tragedies, Oedipus, is first performed.

Name of Voltaire

1719

Changed pen name from Arouet to Voltaire

Imprisoned and Exiled

1725

For offending the Rohan family, Voltaire is sentenced to the Bastille again, but negotiates instead for three years in Great Britain.

Letters Concerning the English Nation

1733

"Letters Concerning the English Nation" is written, criticizing France's government in contrast to Britain. Voltaire meets Madame du Chatele, and begins relationship.

Zadig

1738

Voltaire publishes his first "philosophical tales", Zadig.

Histographer

1745

With the help from his mistress, Voltaire is appointed the royal historiographer.

French Academy

1746

Voltaire is elected into the French Academy.

Death of a mistress

1749

Death of Madame du Chatelet durign childbirth.

The German

1750

With the help of Fredrick the Great, moves to German's royal court and publishes more pieces of writing.

Geneva

1753

After quarrel with Fredrick the Great, and being banned from France, Voltaire settles in Geneva.

Candide

1759

Voltaire writes his most famous philosophical writing, Candide.

Seven Years War

1763

The end of the Seven Years War, the power struggle among the European nations, including France.

Dictionnaire Philosophique

1764

Voltaire publishes Dictionnaire Philosophique, which included his idea one a wide range of subjects.

Death

1778

Dies after returning to Paris after 20 years. Age 84.

Revolution

1787

Start of the French Revolution, with Voltaire and his "Liberte--Fraternite--Egalite" as inspiration.