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Deficit spending by the government and Economic Reform
During this time in France, the First and Second Estates (clergy, government-Kind and court) spent the nation's wealth on themsevles, hosting lavish parties, buying extremely costly clothes, buliding grand homes, etc. They owned most of the land, but were not required to pay taxes, and so poor farmers and peasants were left to pay for the debts of their country-men. In the end they could not and so the Estates-General was called to order by the king. -
Louis XVI Calls the Estates-General
King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General to meet at Versaille, in order to discuss solutions to the French government financial crisis. -
Parisians Storm the Bastille
An enraged crowd of more than 800 Parisians stormed the Bastille, demanding waeapons and gunpowder they thougt to be stocked there. The commanding officer refused and opened fire on the crowd, killing many. Finally, a mob of Parisians broke through, killing the commander and 5 guards. They freed prisoners held there, but found no weapons. -
Monarchy is Abolished
The monarchy in France was abolished on January 21, 1793 when King Louis XVI was executed for being "a traitor to France". When the executioner held the king's head in front of the crowd, and a day later did the same with the queen, the French monarchy was officially abolished. -
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Robespierre and the Reign of Terror
Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, and began the Reign of Terror as a response to the invasion of foreign troops in France. He believed that liberty in France could not be accomplished "unless criminals lose their heads". Robespierre's favorite tools to achieve "liberty" among the guilty and innocent were terror and the guillotine. This "Reign of Terror" ended when Robespierre was captured and beheaded 10 months later.
