Here's why it's complicated and what we *can* say:
* Multiple Works: Montesquieu published "Persian Letters" in 1721, "Considerations on the Causes of the Grandeur and Decadence of the Romans" in 1734, and his most famous work, "The Spirit of the Laws," in 1748. 18 years after each of these dates would land us in different years, leading to different historical events.
* Impact Over Time: Montesquieu's ideas had a lasting impact, influencing the American and French Revolutions. His concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances continued to be debated and implemented across the globe for decades after his publications.
Instead of focusing on a single event, we can look at what happened in the years following his publications:
* 1739-1748: Montesquieu traveled extensively through Europe, gathering material for "The Spirit of the Laws" and solidifying his reputation as a prominent thinker.
* 1748-1755: "The Spirit of the Laws" was published and widely discussed across Europe, sparking debate and influencing political thought.
* 1755-1778 (Montesquieu's death): His work continued to influence thinkers like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, who incorporated Montesquieu's ideas into the US Constitution.
In short, it's more useful to consider the ongoing impact of Montesquieu's work rather than a specific event 18 years after a particular publication. His writings contributed to a broader intellectual and political shift throughout the 18th century, leading to significant changes in government systems and ideals.