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Nobility forces King Louis XVI to call the Estates General into session
The king was in trouble. The nobility was not happy with his attempt to tax their estate. Nobility wanted to pass the cost once again on the Third Estate -
Estates General meets in Paris
King Louis XVI calls body into session to approve a new tax on the Third Estate. Had not met in 175 years. -
Third Estate refused to abide by the King's one vote for each estate order
The members of the Third Estate proclaimed themselves as a legislature called the National Assembly. It symbolized them finally gaining more political and voting power. -
Tennis Court Oath
In response to the Third Estate's disobediance, the King kicked the Third Estate out of the meeting. They created the oath, which displayed their success in finally taking action to make a difference. King Louis XVI relented, proving their progress. -
The Storming of the Bastille
The attack of the old prison is a strong symbol of revolution. It reveals weakness and error on King Louis' part. -
Great Fear Begins
The people of France were afraid of retaliation from the government. Rumors circulated about foreign soldiers who had been hired to punish the Third Estate. Although the revolutionaries were successful in the attack of the prison, the Great Fear showed that the crown still had power over them. -
National Assembly abolishes Feudalism with August Decrees
The National Assembly is finally making changes. Members of the lower class gained power and influence. A new government was forming. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
This was a symbol of great progress and change. It was inspired by other revolutions in the world and Enlightenment thinkers. This document was a first step to a constitution for France -
Women of Paris March to Versailles for Bread
Louis' surrender showed his weakness and fear at the strength of the rebellion. Instead of focusing on what his people want, he is preoccupied by the threat to his throne. -
Royal Family's Flight from Varennes
The fact that they were captured and brought back against their will shows the crown's weakening power and the strength of the new government. -
New Constitution Adopted
The new Constitution restricted the King's power, prohibiting him from abusing power. It also broadened voting rights, signifying a new beginning for the lower classes. -
Beginning of Legislative Assembly
The inexperience of their members only led to failure. They were quick to declare war, which showed how their inexperience was dangerous and led to reckless decisions. -
Storming of the Tuileries Palace
The revolutionaries captured King Louis, Marie Antoinette, and their children and threw them in prison. Their arrest was a significant turning point in the revolution because it signified the end of the monarchy. -
Brunswick Manifesto warns that Royal family must not be harmed
Austria and Prussia warned that harm to the monarchs would lead to war. Austria sent 50,000 troops to the French border, and in response, the Legislative Assembly declared war. The drastic decision shows how dedicated the revolutionaries were to the revolution and change. -
French Monarchty is Officially Abolished
Revolutionary government votes to abolish the monarchy and establish the first Republic. The royal family was imprisoned. -
Defeat of Foreign Supporters of the Monarchy (Austria and Prussia)
France turns the tide of the war and takes the offensie against the invaders. -
King Louis XVI Executed
King Louis was put to trial and executed. Soldiers lined the streets to prevent any action from supporters of the monarchy. The King tried to give a speech concerning his innocence, but was drowned out. Although outsiders saw it as savage, the French revolutionaries saw it as a celebration of liberty. -
Committee of Public Safety Established
The purpose of the Committee of Public Saftely was to manage military defenses. Security was priority for the new government because of the threat of foreign forces at the country's borders. The committee drafted able-bodied and unmarried men from 18-45. -
Law of Suspects Passed - Beginning of Reign of Terror
The Law of Suspects allowed the government to arrest anyone who may be unsupportive of the government. This was greatly significant becuase it displayed how the people were now revolting against the government established by the revolution. -
Execution of Robespierre - End of Reign of Terror
Robespierre's actions throughout the Reign of Terror resulted in 17,000 deaths, many of which were unnecessary. The widespread violence shocked the French people as well as increased foreign opposition towards France. -
National Convention Dissolved and Replaced with the Directorate
The Directorate was weak, corrupt, and inefficient. The actions of the Directorate only continued France's troubles and created a government that resembled that of the Old Order. Although the creation of a new government by the revolutionaries was meant to help France progress towards a more equal economy and society, the new and unsuccessful system was detrimental. -
Napoleon Named First Consul
The event was a coup d'etat, or a forced transfer of power. It was not consented by the people. The people of France were exhausted by the constant violence and desired the peace and stability that Napoleon promised. -
Coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France
Napoleon set a plebiscite asking the people of France if they wanted France to become an empire. When the majority resulted in yes, Napoleon declared himself emperor. He began conquering Europe, leading to a series of wars that let France become one of the most dominant poweres in Europe.
