1748, c. November 15
French philosopher Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, publishes, c. November 15, 1748."The Spirit of the Laws", a landmark political treatise which went on to profoundly influence political theory, advocating for the separation of powers, abolition of slavery, and the limitation of executive power through checks and balances.
The treatise was well received and highly influential. It is said it had a deep impact on the founding fathers of the United States. However it was added to the Roman Catholic Church's Index of Prohibited Books (Librorum Prohibitorum) iIndex of Prohibited Books) in 1751.
