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King Louis XVI tries to tax the Second Estate but the nobles refurse to pay.
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Picture LinkFirst time the Estates General meets in approximately 175 years.
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The French Revolution has begun.
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The Third Estate proclaims themselves the National Assembly; National Assembly swears the Tennis Court Oath.
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Picture LinkThe Storming of the Bastile
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Picture LinkThe National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man of the Citizen
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Austria and Prussia issue a declaration warning against harming the French monarchs and hint that any such action would provoke war.
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Mob storms the Tuileries Palace and throws Marie Antoinette and her children in prison.
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National Convention declares that France will be a republic and not a constitutional monarchy.
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Picture LinkKing Louis XVI executed by guillotine.
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Picture LinkThe Reign of Terror is unleashed by the Committee of Public Safety; led by Maximilien Robespierre.
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Robespierre and his supporters are executed; The Righn of Terror Ends.
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National Convention writes a more restrictive constitution; only male property owners could vote.
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Picture LinkThe French Revolution ends.
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Napolean takes control of the French government.
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Picture LinkNapoleon sells the Louisianna Territory in North America to the United States.
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Picture LinkNapoleon crowns himself emperor of France after a plebiscite.
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Picture LinkSaint Domingue (Hispanola) Declares independence from France, names their new nation Haiti.
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Napoleon invades Spain and Portugal; the King of Spain goes to prison and the King of Portugal flees to Brazil.
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Picture LinkNapoleon attempts to invade and takeover Russia.
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Napoleon defeated in Leipzig.
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Allies enter Paris in triumph and force Napoleon to surrender and is exiled to Elba.
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Picture LinkFrance recognizes Louis XVIII, brother of executed Louis XVI. Napoleon manages to come back to France, Louis XVIII flees to Belgium in fear. Napoleon arrives in Paris on March 20 to cheering crowds, and the Hundred Days begin.
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Picture LinkNapoleon exiles to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic.
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Napoleon dies in exile.