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France builds up debt
France builds up enormous debt by participating in the Seven Years’ War and American Revolution. -
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France declares war
France declares war on Great Britian in support of the American colonies. The war makes debt even worse. The Treaty of Paris ends the war.The success of the American colonists against a European power increases the ambitions of those wishing for reform in France. -
Rejects Calonne's
Assembly of Notables convenes, rejects Calonne’s debt-relief proposals -
Second assembly of Notables refuse
The second Assembly of Notables is dismissed, having firmly refused to consider doubling the representation of the Third Estate. -
The Reveillon Riots
The Reveillon Riots in Paris, caused by low wages and food shortages, led to about 25 deaths by troops. -
National Assembly
Third Estate breaks away from Estates-General, establishes itself as National Assembly -
Tennis Court Oath
National Assembly members take Tennis Court Oath, pledging to create new constitution -
The Storming of the Bastille
Mob of Parisian citizens storms Bastille prison and confiscates weapons. The storming of the Bastille was the third event of this opening stage of the revolution. -
Period: to
The French Revolution
The French Revolution was caused when the monarchy was overthrown and radical restructing was forced by the Roman Catholic Church -
Parisian women response
Parisian women march to Versailles in response to food crisis -
Louis XVI flees Paris
Louis XVI and his family flee Paris but are caught near the Austrian border -
France declares war
France declares war on Austria