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King Louis XVI calls the Estates General
There had been a major financial crisis in during King Louis XVI's reign due to the Seven Years War and French support of the American Revolution. Louis XVI and his chief financial officer Anne Robert Jacques Turgot attempted to establish reforms ending in failure. Soon after, taxes were implemented, and again had resulted in disaster. Louis XVI had no choice but to call the Estates-General; resulting in the revolution as many were left starving as the rich were living extravagently. -
The Third Estate swear an oath of solidaity and unity at a tennist court
On this day, at the tennis court, the National Assembly was summoned to establish the country's constitution in order to impact public order; they were to remain true to the monarchy, prevent anything from discontinuing any deliberations, and that all members would immediately swear a solemn oath to not seperate. As well, they would reassemble whenever necessary until the consitution was established. All members were required to sign and ratify. -
Storming of Bastille
Insurgents violently seized the Bastille Prison which was a symbol for everything hated under the ancient regime. The mob relased several prisoners from the prison, and killed Marquis Bernard de Launay, the individual who governed the institution, along with many of his guards. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen is established
his document advocated for the basic rights for men. This included liberty, security, property and resistance to oppression. Essentially, all decisions should be rested in the nation; all power should come directly from the nation. As well, it acted as a reminder of the public's rights and duties as men and citizens; hence, the name prefectly corresponds to its content. -
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is implemented
On this day, the National Assembly passed this constitution, altering the struture of the Church. Power now rested in the state; the Church lost control -
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempt to escape to Austria
The King was urged to leave for Austra so that he could avoid approving the constituion. Many of his brothers and other aristocrats had already fled, and asked him to join them so that they could organize an attack. He agreed and secretly fled, along with his wife Marie Antoinette during the night. They were caught at the border, and arrested to prevent him from leaving France again. -
King Louis XVI is put on trial
During the trial, Louis XVI was accused of many crimes by the people. Accusations included attempts to leave, causes of violence which were made by the people, he overthrew the constitution though he accepted it in speech, bribing etc. With all these crimes against him, he was declared to be executed in the next year. -
King Louis XVI is executed
He walked up the steps for his eventual death at the guillotine. He attempted to make a speech, but his words were drowned in the crowd's shouting. The razor was released, cutting his head at approximated 2:15, and he died. The executioners grabbed his head by the hair, raising it to the people as they cheered. -
Beginning of Reign of Terror
During this period, many were immediately executed and killed if there were any suspicions of counter-revoutionary attack. Many of those accused were not only aristocrats, but also ordinary citizens. Something as little as not cheering loud enough for the revolution could result in death. Under Robspierre the mastermind of the plan and head of the Committee of Public Safety, he allowed many of these deaths to take place, placing fear in the kingdom. -
Robespierre is executed
Due to the many deaths during the 'Terror', many of Robespierre's supporters began to fear him- he even commanded some of his colleagues to be executed. He was then banned from the National Convention and placed under house arrest, where he attempted to kill himself but he only managed to shoot his lower jaw the day before his execution. On the 28th of July 1794, he was killed by the guillotine. His reign was over, and his policies were killed the day after.
