18th century French history

By Weilian Xu
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    War of the Spanish Succession

    France supports Philip of Anjou (Louis XIV’s grandson) as King of Spain; war strains French finances.

  • Death of Louis XIV

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    Mississippi Bubble

  • Louis XV

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    War of the Polish Succession

    France supports Stanisław Leszczyński; gains Lorraine.
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    War of the Austrian Succession

    France fights against Austria and Britain

  • First volume of Diderot’s Encyclopédie published

    the spread of Enlightenment ideas
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    Seven Years’ War

    France vs. Britain and Prussia. Ends disastrously for France

  • The Social Contract published

    popular sovereignty

  • Louis XVI becomes king

  • Treaty of Paris

    France helps the U.S. win independence, but the cost worsens national debt.
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    Financial crisis and food shortages lead to unrest

  • Estates-General convened

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    French Revolution

    Establishment of the French Consulate in November 1799

  • Tennis Court Oath

  • Storming of the Bastille

    symbolic start of the French Revolution

  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen adopted

  • France becomes a republic after overthrow of monarchy

  • King Louis XVI executed

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    Reign of Terror under Robespierre

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    Directory established