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Accession of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI marks the end of monarchy in France. He is a milquetoast leader which led to the failed taxation of the 2nd estate. This led to unfair taxation without enough representation for the 3rd estates which greatly contributes to the French Revolution. -
American Declaration of Independence
The colonies of Britain revolted and declared independence from Britain starting a war. This would lead to the French being involved and allowing them to see the effects of the revolution. Led to the huge debt of France and encouraged the weak to rise up. -
Meeting of Estates General
The last estate general meeting before the National Assembly of the 3rd estate. It didn't really work due to the major difference between the estates and the failed representation of the population. The failure of this meet shows the little influence of Louis XVI. -
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National Assembly
The gathering of the estates without Louis XVI, and it was formed by the 3rd estate. Effectively became the French's government with the passing of multiple laws (abolishing monarchy) and the formation of a constitution. However, the fiscal problems went unaddressed, and this led to France going further into debt -
Tennis Court Oath
The 3rd estate gathered at the royal tennis court and demanded a constitution and would not split until after it is granted. This marked the start of the defiance of the monarchy. -
Storming the Bastille
The attack on the political prison, Bastile, that showed the urge for change in France. The prison represented the royal authority in Paris, and the attack marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Adopted
Document of the French Revolution that listed the rights of man which includes freedom of religion, speech, and assembly. This became an important step in developing a French Constitution. -
Women's March on Versailles
Due to the rising price and rarity of bread, the women in the marketplaces of Paris bounded with the revolutionaries and ransacked the city and marched for Versailles. This forced the king and the French Assembly to return to Paris and signified the changing of power in France. -
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Jacobins vs. Girondins
These two were two revolutionary factions with different views on how the revolution should be conducted. The Jacobins wanted to kill the king and encouraged bloodshed while the Girondins wanted a peaceful way. The Jacobins would eventually win and monopolized themselves in the National Convention. -
Declaration of Pillnitz
A statement from the Austrian and Prussian rulers stating that if France loses the monarch, they declare war on the revolutionaries. The reason for this was the fear of the spread of a constitutional view. -
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
This philosophical work was written by Mary Wollstonecraft that fought for women's rights. One of the first major feminist movement and it inspired many more future works that promote feminism. -
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Sans-Culottes
A group made of the poor portion of the 3rd estate which formed a radical and militant group. They wanted a republic and to increase the life of the poor. -
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Paris Commune
The revolutionary government of Paris after the Storming of Bastille. They refused to take orders from the central government of France and is best known for their extreme views and ideas. They also attempted to Christianize the churches. -
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September Massacres
A series of killings spread throughout France due to the suspicion of Prussian invasion and a counter-revolution. More than a thousand prisoners were killed on the first day; this demonstrated the collective mentality of the revolutionaries. -
Creation of the Republic
Legislative Assembly of France abolished the monarchy and established the first French republic. This led to the creation of a new constitution leading to the king losing the majority of his power. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was found of treason and was, therefore, executed in public through the use of the guillotine. This was caused by him conspiring with foreign powers to attempt to stop the revolution. Marks the end of the monarchy in France as later leaders were no longer "kings". -
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Committee of Public Safety
Was constructed by the National Convention to protect Frane from foreign enemies and oversee the government. With their leader. Robespierre, the committee ruled with an iron fist and purged anyone standing against them and also introduced the Reign of Terror. -
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Reign of Terror/Robespierre
A period of violence between the Girondins and Jacobins due to the harsh rule of the Committee of Public Safety. Any that were suspected of being an enemy would be purged which led to a period of starvation and destruction of their economy. -
Marie Antoinette Executed
Found guilty of treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal and was executed in public by guillotine. Demonstrated the change of power from when she was giving "cake", to after the abolition of the monarchy. -
Robespierre Executed
Due to his abuse of power and the introduction of the Reign of Terror, the National Assembly executed Robespierre and his comrade which marked the end of the Reign of Terror. Also, publicly executed by guillotine, -
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Thermidorian Reaction
A movement that followed Robespierre's execution which stripped Jacobin's influence on the government. They wanted to reimplement policies from 1789 and wanted to create a conservative republic. -
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War of the 2nd Coalition
The coalition that was formed by Britain, Austria, Russia, and other smaller nations to band together and stop France's expansion and reinstate monarchy in France. Showed Napoleon's strength at warfare and demonstrated France's new power. -
Coup d'etat (Napoleon)
Overthrew the republic of France and replaced it with the French Consulate. Napoleon rose to power as the First Consul of France which ends the French Revolution leading to Napoleon's ruling. -
Concordat of 1801
Agreement between Napoleon and the papal authority which help reinstate some of the Catholic Church's status but at a great cost. Napoleon still owns the land which he can also appoint church officials. -
Napoleonic Code
The first clear and complete codification of French law under the French Consulate. Granted all men equal rights and religious freedom (even for atheists). -
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Confederation of the Rhine
The union of the smaller German states under Napoleon after he defeated both Austria and Russia which allowed France to dominate the area. The confederation was abolished after Napoleon's fall from power. -
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Continental System
The blockade made by Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars to prevent Britain from trading with the outside world. However, this failed due to France's horrible economic which forced the blockade to be removed. This showed that even though it did crippled Britain for a while, the blockade did more harm to France. -
Treaty of Tilsit
Agreements between France and Russia/Prussia in an attempt to destroy the British economy. Stated that Russia/Prussia joins the Continental System and close their port to British trade. -
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Russian Campaign
The French invasion of Russia that led to Napoleon's eventual defeat. Russians were pushed back, but they burnt the land behind them; this left the France troops with little supplies forcing their retreat. -
Waterloo
The coalition of the British, Dutch, Belgian, and Germans defeated French troops and marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. This became the defeat of Napoleon and stopped the expansion of France.
