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Estates-General
This was an assembly of representatives from the three estates of France. The First Estate contained the clergy. The Second Estate contained the nobility. The Third Estate held everyone else. This meeting was called to approve a tax created by Louis XVI, and the Third Estate was not allowed to partake. This meeting was an important event because it was the first time the Third Estate felt inclined to take action against the monarchy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estates-General_of_1789 -
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French Revolution
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Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate met at an indoor tennis court in Versailles. During the meeting, the people took an oath to not disband until a written constitution for France was produced. Feeling pressured, Louis XVI made the First and Second Estates join the National Assembly. This oath was crucial because it was the first time citizens persuaded the ruler to do something for the people. It gave hope to people looking to overthrow the French government. https://www.britannica.com/event/Tennis-Court-Oath -
Storming of the Bastille
A mob began to search for gunpowder and arms; they knew supplies was stored in the Bastille prison. The mob began to storm the prison, and the backup guards joined the mob instead of siding with the king. The guards surrendered the Bastille to the mob after a bloody battle. The Bastille was a symbol of the King’s absolute power, so once it was surrendered, the people began to realize that their revolution would occur. http://bastille-day.com/history/storming-of-the-bastille-july-14-1789 -
Women's March on Versailles
Women marched from Paris to Versailles with various weapons. They were rioting over the rising price of bread and how people were starving. The women were able to break into Versailles and force the king and his family to leave. This brutal march brought an end to the corrupt monarchy of France. Women were now able to play a larger role in the French Revolution by organizing in the National Assembly. http://www.onthisdeity.com/5th-october-1789-%E2%80%93-the-womens-march-on-versailles/ -
New Constitution
The new Constitution of France created a limited constitutional monarchy. This meant the king did not hold as much power as he used to. A legislative assembly was created, and they had the power to create or reject laws. They also had the power to declare war. Citizens elected the representatives. The Constitution only stood for one year, but it proved to be effective for that time. The revolution became more and more radical as time went on. http://www.historywiz.com/constitution1791.htm -
The Fall of Tuileries
20,000 men and women invaded Tuileries palace looking for the royal family. The royal family was imprisoned, and many guards were killed. This was the bloodiest day of the revolution to come so far. This event was important because it was the last of the royal family's authority over the country. The National Assembly disbanded the family monarchy’s power. They also decided to dissolve the assembly and the constitution. https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255/kat_anna/tuileries.html -
Beginning of Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was the period of rule when Robespierre governed France as a dictator. There was great conflict between two political parties: Girondins and Jacobins. Many “enemies” of the revolution were murdered on the guillotine for flimsy reasons. Tens of thousands of people died during this time. The great fear put in the people only made the revolution more important. People wanted good leaders who would not terrorize them or be corrupt. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_of_Terror -
End of Reign of Terror
The end of the Reign of Terror came when Robespierre was sent to the guillotine. Members of the National Convention (new body of government) began to turn on their violent leader. After Robespierre’s execution, new members were elected and limits were established as to how long they could serve. This execution lead to many changes for the nation. People no longer had to fear that they were next in line for the “national razor.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_of_Terror -
Battle of Arcole
The Directory had just asked Napoleon Bonaparte to lead the French army against the forces of Austria. The battle showcased Napoleon’s military geniuses, and it showed the people of France why he could be a good leader. The battle was a French victory, and people were overjoyed. This was the beginning of the rise of Napoleon. France would be able to keep out foreign invaders and hopefully fix the problems within their country. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arcole -
Coup d'etat
A coup d'état is a blow to the state. Napoleon’s sudden seizure of power is a coup d'état. Napoleon surrounded the national legislature and forced them to give up their power. The government was dissolved once again, and in its place stood Napoleon and two other consuls. Foreign nations began to sign peace agreements with France to stop wars. Once Napoleon came to power, his goal was to restore France and its people. The revolution ended, but a corrupt government would stand.
