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Spending in France
Leading to the debt. The first and second estates, or classes, don't pay taxes, while the third estate, which is composed of everyone who isn't nobility, royalty, or clergy pays taxes. The King refuses to change this. -
Storming The Bastille
More than 800 people rioted outside of the Bastille, and demanded gunpowder for the weapons they stole. A battle was faught between the Parisians and the Bastille after the mob broke through the defence. They killed the Commander, released prisoners, but found no weapons. -
National Assembly Acts
The National Assembly votes to give up their own privileges, including exemption from taxes. -
Threats Come From Abroad
The King of Prussia and the emporer of Austria issue the Declaration of Pilnitz, which threatened to intervene to protect the French monarchy. -
Civil War in France
French radicals, fighting for power, declare war on the Monarchy. -
Monarchy is Abolished in France
A crowd of Parisians storm Tuileries and kill the King's guards. The royal family managed to flee to the Legislative Assembly. -
Prison Attacked
1,200 prisoners are slaughtered by citizens. England views this as going too far. -
Radicals Execute the King
The radicals, in attempt to abolish the Monarchy, invade the Assembly and execute the King. In October of the same year, Marie Antoinette was also executed. -
Nationalism Spreads throughout France
By 1793, France was a "nation in arms." French troops march to a new song, "La Marseillaise," which will eventually become the French National Anthem. -
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Reign of Terror
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Robespierre Is Arrested
The Terror "consumed those who initiated it." On July 27, 1794, Robespierre was arrested and executed on the next day. -
Executions Start Slowing Dramatically
Robespierre and other radicallsare executed. After this, the number of executions reduces dramatically. -
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Third Stage of the Revolution
As the Revolution becomes increasingly more violent, politicians eventually turned to Napoleon Bonaparte, a brilliant millitary leader. He would eventually become the ruler of France.