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The Estates-General, representing the three estates of the French society, met in Versailles to address the financial crisis. Disagreements over voting procedures between the Third Estate and the other two led to the formation of the National Assembly, marking a significant shift in political power. This event was the start of the revolution's radical phase, the defiance of the monarchy and the demand for political representation by the people. -
A mob of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny, to acquire weapons and ammunition. The fall of the Bastille became a pivotal moment symbolizing the people's uprising against oppressive rule. The Storming of the Bastille was a powerful symbol of the people's resistance to the monarchy, igniting further uprisings and solidifying the revolution's momentum. -
The National Assembly adopted this declaration, asserting the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It became the foundation for modern democratic ideals, promoting individual rights and limiting monarchical authority. The declaration crystallized the revolution's ideological aims, inspiring citizens to actively seek social and political change and serving as a precursor to constitutional reforms. -
Thousands of women marched to Versailles, the Revolution was at the monarch's doorstep. Women from Paris marched to Versailles, demanding bread and justice. They succeeded in persuading the royal family to return to Paris, placing them under the watchful eye of the people. The Women's March demonstrated the power of collective action and highlighted the critical role of ordinary citizens, particularly women, in shaping the course of the revolution. -
1793-1794: The National Assembly adopted this declaration, asserting the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It became the foundation for modern democratic ideals, promoting individual rights and limiting monarchical authority. The declaration crystallized the revolution's ideological aims, inspiring citizens to actively seek social and political change and serving as a precursor to constitutional reforms. -
King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine following his conviction of treason. This event marked the monarchy's demise and signaled the radicalization of the revolution, leading to internal and international conflicts. The execution of the king symbolized the revolution's irreversibility and heightened the revolutionary fervor, while also alienating foreign powers that were wary of the spread of revolutionary ideas. -
Napoleon's coup d'état ended the radical phase of the revolution, bringing stability and consolidating his power as First Consul. Napoleon's rise marked the transition from revolutionary chaos to a more authoritarian rule, reshaping France's trajectory and its impact on European history. -
Napoleon introduced a comprehensive legal code, known as the Napoleonic Code, which standardized laws and promoted equality before the law. The Napoleonic Code left a lasting legacy on legal systems globally, demonstrating the revolution's lasting influence on modern legal principles. -
1814-1815: European powers convened to redraw the map of Europe and restore monarchies post-Napoleon, aiming to contain revolutionary ideas. The Congress of Vienna highlighted the global repercussions of the revolution, as it spurred conservative efforts to suppress revolutionary ideals in favor of restoring pre-revolutionary order. -
Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo led to his exile and the end of his rule. This event marked the definitive end of the revolutionary and Napoleonic era, shaping Europe's post-revolutionary political landscape. The Battle of Waterloo highlighted the limitations of Napoleon's ambitions and the exhaustion of revolutionary ideals, paving the way for the restoration of monarchies across Europe and the reshaping of international relations.