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Bastille Day
Angry French people surrounded the Bastille, a prison, believing that many French citizens were unjustly imprisoned there. The prisoners were freed to the dismay of Louis de Flue. This is important because it showed that the people of France were ready to take the lead in the French Revolution. -
The National Assembly in Action
Many deputies rose to make speeches in support of reform in France. The National Assembly ended serfdom and the tax-exempt privelages of the nobles. This is important because it led to the Declaration of Rights and called for equality of all citizens. -
Reign of Terror is Launched
France was attacked from the outside by other European nations and from the inside by people who opposed the revolution. This is important because it caused radical revolutionaries to launch the reign of terror and execute htousands of French people. -
Revolutionaries Take Over
Revolutionaries took over the Paris City government and set up the Commune. They removed the king from office and voted to imprison the royal family. This is important because it allowed the National Convention to write and put into effect a new constitution. -
Louis XVI is executed
The Convention convicted Louis XVI of treason and executed him. This is important because it made monarchs of empires really start to fear the revolution. -
Fourth Constitution is drawn up, Napoleon Rules
Napoleon and his royal troops overthrew the government and drew up a new constitution that made Napoleon a virtual dictator of France. The effect was that France did well under his rule, but it was surprising that it ended with what the French wanted to get away from in the first place: a ruler with absolute power. -
Napoleon's invasion of Russia fails
Napolean planned to defeat Russia in a quick battle but failed when the cold winter killed most of his troops. This is important because it allowed an alliance of Austria, Russia, and Prussia to pounce on France's weakened troops amd send Napoleon into exile. -
New Amendments under Louis Philippe
Under Louis Phillipe, the 1814 constitution was amended to give more middle class members the right to vote. Louis Phillipe was thus called the bourgeois monarch. He was also the first monarch to adopt middle class dress. This is important because it symbolized the less wealthy French people becoming a more essential part of the government and not being ostracized by the wealther classes in the heirarchy. -
Napoleon's Enemies invade France
Nationalist movements and the ongoing struggle with Britain drained French resources. This made it easy for Napoleon's enemies to invade France. This is important because it ended the revolutionary era and left France and Europe greatly changed. -
The Quadruple Alliance is Formed
To protect the peace settlement reached in Vienna, Austria, Prussia, and Russia formed the Quadrule Alliance. Three years later, France was admitted. This is important because it preserved the balance of power and prevented conflicts for most of the 1800s. -
Riots Break Out in Paris
French newspapers urged the citizens to resist King Charles' ending of freedom of the press and the new restrictions on voting rights. This is important because it ended with the French wanting a republic but settling as a constitutional monarchy with Charles X as king. -
Belgium Becomes Independent
The Belgians defeated a Dutch army and won the support of Britain and France. In time, Belgium became an independent nation. This is important because it inspired other empires in favor of nationalism to fight for their independence. -
Guizot Cancels a Banquet, Town Riots
Guizot cancelled a banquet because he feared it would lead to disorder. Thousands of angry workers poured into the streets. This is important because meanwhile, the leaders of the Revolution proclaimed the Second Republic. -
Louis Philippe is overthrown, Uprising in Vienna
Middle-class liberals, workers, and students wanted a constitution and end to feudalism. The Austrian emporer was frightened so he promised reform and dismissed Metternich.This is important because it led to a series of revolts against the Austrian governent leading to changes in the government. -
Roman Republic Est.
After a failed attempt to win the pope's support, rebels took over Rome causing him to flee into exile. Nationalists established the Roman Republic, This is important because it inspired people in other Italian states to preserve their dreams for unification and force their rulers into granting liberal constitutions,