France Timeline

By Will W
  • The Writings of Voltaire

    The Writings of Voltaire

    He wrote plays and poems, as well as philosophy. He is famous for strongly criticizing Christianity. His true name was François--Marie Arouet.
  • The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu

    The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu

    This was a book that talked about political theory.
  • The Encyclopedia by Denis Diderot

    The Encyclopedia by Denis Diderot

    This is a book with a large collection of knowledge.
  • The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    This popular book talks about how only the general social will should legislate and that this is the only way for the people to be free.
  • On Crime and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria

    On Crime and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria

    This boo challeged harsh treatment for criminals and called for a more humane and reformitive system.

  • The Birth of Napoleon

    Napoleon was born to Italian parents. He was the second of eight kids.
  • Napoleon Enlists in the Military

    Napoleon Enlists in the Military

    This was the point that he started his rise to power. If he never enlisted in the military, he would never have achieved all he accomplished.
  • Rise of the Jacobin Club

    Rise of the Jacobin Club

    This was an anti-royal group that led the revolutionary government.
  • The Estates-General Meeting

    The Estates-General Meeting

    This was the last grand ceremony of the Ancien Régime and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
  • Period: to

    The National Assembly

    This was a gathering where they made laws. They also questioned the authority of the king. They then proceeded to draw up the first French Constitution.
  • The Tennis Court Oath

    The Tennis Court Oath

    This was an oath taken by the French Third Estate. This oath was initiated by Jean Joseph Mounier.
  • The Storming of the Bastille

    The Storming of the Bastille

    This was when the revolutionaries stormed the medieval armory, fortress, and political prison. In this storming, they seized control and tore it apart brick by brick.
  • The Abolition of Feudalism

    The Abolition of Feudalism

    The Feudal system was abolished by the National Assembly.
  • The Declaration of Right of Man

    The Declaration of Right of Man

    This was a book describing the inalienable rights that everyone has.
  • The Women's March on Versailles

    The Women's March on Versailles

    This was a march for lowering the price of bread. The women ransacked an armory and marched from Paris to the palace in Versailles.
  • The Civil Constitution of the Clergy

    The Civil Constitution of the Clergy

    This was passed due to an attempt by the church to override the revolution. this act gave the French Government total control over the Catholic Church of France.
  • Flight to Varennes

    Flight to Varennes

    This was an unsuccessful escape attempt made by the royal family to get out of Paris and flee to Varennes.
  • Establishment of the Legislative Assembly

    Establishment of the Legislative Assembly

    This was the start of a new form of governing body in France.
  • The Execution of King Louis XVI

    The Execution of King Louis XVI

    They executed King Louis XVI because they thought that as long as he lived the revolution could not flourish. He was executed using the guillotine.
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    Reign of Terror

    This was an era of terror and mass executions. It was a way to show what happened if you stood against the revolution.
  • Thermidorian Reaction

    Thermidorian Reaction

    This was a revolt that happened in response to the reign of terror. They overthrew Maximilien Robespierre and had him executed in the same fashion he had executed anyone who disagreed with what he spoke. This happened in 9 Thermidor, Year II, which was a day on the French Revolutionary Calendar.
  • The Start of the Napoleonic Wars

    The Start of the Napoleonic Wars

    This happened because of Napoleon's rise to power.
  • The End of the Napoleonic Wars

    The End of the Napoleonic Wars

    The war ended due to Napoleon's capture and exile.
  • Death of Napoleon

    Death of Napoleon

    This marked the end of his life but not the end of his exile. He was released from his exile and his body was transported to a shrine in his honor.