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Meeting of the Estates General
Louis calls a meeting of the Estates General for the first time since 1614 because he is unsure of what to do. Here, the estates expressed their grievances. Even though the third estate was eventually granted double their representation a veto from the first esrate could change the decision. -
Oath at the Tennis Court (Serment du jeu de paume)
The third estate who wished to express their grievances at the Esates General was locked out. They were locked out and moved to the tennis court where they all took an oath promising to stay together until a constitution was written. All 577 members signed it. -
Destruction of the Bastille
The mob consisting of angry peasants and 300 soldiers stormed the recently reconstructed Bastille destroying everything. The Bastille (meaning 'fortress') was built to protect Paris, but it was Parisians themselves who destroyed it. It represented unjust torture of many, domination, and control of the monarchy. To many, this marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
This document represents Enlightenment and what the revolution stood for. It includes rights to liberty, property, and security; the fact that law is the expression of the general will; men are equal and born and remain free; and that sovereignty stays with the people. It becomes the base of their consitution. -
King Louis XVI forced to Paris
The a mob including Poissardes invaded Versailles and forced the royal family to Paris to the Tuileries palace under house arrest. There Louis would do as the people please. -
Louis flight to Austrian Soil
Louis attempted to escape to avoid the French people who wanted a Constitutional Monarchy (to include the king). He was stopped at Varennes only a few miles to Austria and was brought back to Paris. to The French saw this as their king is abandoning them and could no longer be trusted. -
King Louis XVI's Execution
According to Robespierre, the start of new France needed to begin with the death of the king. It marked the end of the monarchy and officially made France a republic. -
Death of Marat (La Mort de Marat)
Marat was the writer of 'L'Ami du Peuple' and believed the solution to problems in the Revolution was blood. He continuously recommended more people to be guillotined. Charlotte Corday believed this was not right for her people and stabbed Marat.. Rather than being seen as a criminal, the French saw him as the first martyr of the French Revolution. -
The Reign of Terror
The National Convention declares 'terror' as the main policy of the government. Anyone suspected of being against the rovolution (nobles and priests) is guillotined. Robbespierre's Committee of Public Safety takes control of France and all enemies (e.g followers of Danton) are kiilled. A total of 20 000 to 40 000 executed. It continued until July 27, 1793 -
Robespierre's Execution
The 'Incorruptable' - representative of the third estate and leader of the Commission of Public safety was arrested and accused of setting himself up as a dictator. This comes after the 'Festival of the Supreme Being' in which he made himself look like a god. Robespierre had taken the revolution too far.
