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Meeting of the Estates General
The meeting of the Estates General was the first since 1614 (it had been 175 years). The meeting was originally called to discss taxing on the Thrd Estate, but the people of France were looking for change. The meeting took place in the town of Versailles. As people of France listed their problems to the King, it became clear to Louis XVI that this would not end the way he had planned. The meeting was going far beyond the original purpose, the French wanted reform. -
Creation of the National Assembly
King Louis XVI sent troops to Paris and Versailles incase he needed to protect the monarchy by force. In fear that they'd be attacked and the meeting would be canceled, the people of Paris united to create the National Assembly. They refused to use the old voting system. They Declared themselves a Legislature and were kicked out of the meeting place. They swore oath on a near-by tennis court not to leave until they had a written constitution for France (the Tennis Court Oath). -
Storming of the Bastille
Members of the Third Estate attack Bastille Fort (A prison for enemies of the Monarchy), taking down 100 of King Louis XVI's soldiers, and taking control of the fort. They cut off the prison commander's head and paraded it around and many prisoners escaped. Taking Bastille was a symbol of the despotism of the ruling monarchy. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
This Declaratoin contained the principals of the revolution. This Declaration served as a preamble to the Constitution of 1791. Some of the rights as written in this declaration are: liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equality, and the right to resist oppression. -
Creation of the National Convention
The Assembly that governed France from September 20, 1792-October 26, 1795, considered one of the most critical periods in the revolution. The National Convention was elected to provide a new constitution for the country after the overthrow of the monarchy. Democracy was making it's way into France. -
Execution of the King
King Louis XVI was put to trial and executed the next day. He was pushed into place on the guillotine where he was be-headed. After the be-heading, a guard held up the head for everyone to see. Following his Execution was also the execution of his family (the queen and prince). The monarchy had ended for good. -
Reign of Terror
A series of accusations, trials, and executions began by the Mountain(a radical faction) to execute enemies of the revolution in fear of a counterrevolution by surrounding countries. A wave of fear spread throughout the county. 17,000 fell victim to the Reign of Terror. -
Coup d'etat
Nepolean and his small band of followers focably took power over France. He became the Emporer of France.
