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A meeting of the Estates-General was called by Louis XVI in Versailles to discuss and approve a new tax plan.
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Three Poitevin curés decide to join the Third Estate, leaving the Chambers of the Clergy. Accepting the proposition of the delegate Abbé Sieyès, the Third Estate proclaims itself “The National Assembly.” A few liberal nobles and many clergy join the movement of the Third Estate.
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Tennis Court Oath: After being locked out of their meeting room, deputies of the Third Estate assembled on a tennis court and swore not to separate until a constitutional regime was established.
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The National Assembly appoints a committee of thirty members to draft a constitution. The National Assembly proclaims itself the Constituent National Assembly, with full authority and power to decree laws; their primary task is to draw up and adopt a constitution. Necker is dismissed. Demonstrations and speeches take place at the Palais–Royal. The electors of Paris form a standing committee and a citizens’ militia.
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The storming and fall of the Bastille.
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The end of feudalism and serfdom in France was announced by the National Assembly.
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The Declaration of the Rights of Man was issued by The National Assembly.
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The women of Paris invaded Versailles. Parisians, led by a large number of women, march upon Versailles and force the royal family back to Paris, where they take up residence at the Tuileries. Louis XVI is considered by many a “Prisoner” in Paris. The Assembly, still in Versailles, declares, in the spirit of constitutional monarchy, its inseparability from the king.
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Louis XVI and his family were arrested while trying to flee from France.
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France declared war on Austria.
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The First meeting of the National Convention was held.
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A National Draft was issued calling for all able-bodied men to enlist in the army.
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The Reign of Terror court sentenced 20,000 to 40,000
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The National Convention arrested Robespierre.
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Robespierre was beheaded.
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Jacobin Club is suppressed by the Convention.
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The Churches re-open for Christian worship.
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White Terror instituted in the South.
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The Dauphin dies in prison, Comte de Provence assumes title of Louis XVIII.
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Constitution of Year III approved, establishing Directory.
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Royalists attempt a coup and Napoleon Bonaparte makes his name suppressing the move with grapeshot. The popular party gains strength, Gracchus Babeuf is its spokesperson, holding running meetings at the Pantheon.
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The Convention dissolves itself in favour of a dictatorship of the Directorate.
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Napoleon assumes command of French army in Italy.
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Directorate bans popular meetings at the Panetheon.
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Leaders of Babeuf’s “Conspiracy of Equals” arrested.
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100s of supporters of Babeuf attack palace of the Directorate but are routed.
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Elections produce a Royalist majority. Elections in 1798 and 1799 produce a more radical result and are annulled by the Directorate.
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Babeuf and his supporters are convicted but take their own lives.
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Directorate resigns.
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(18th Brumaire) Napoleon Bonaparte named “First Consul,” now the effective dictator.
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Napoleon consecrated as Emperor.
