Timeline: French Revolution

May 5, 1789

Call of the estates generals

King Louis XVI called the first meeting of the French Estates generals in 165 years. The clergy, noblemen, and rest of France were called. The king proposed solutions for governmental problems. This event was significant because it was the start of the revolution.

Jun 20, 1789

Tennis court oath

The Tennis court oath was taken on 6/20/1789. they vowed to "not to separate, and to reassemble wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the kingdom is established.” It was a very important event in the beginning of the revolution.

Jul 14, 1789

Storming of the Bastille

Upset revolutionaries storm the Bastille. By doing this, not only does it serve to make a statement against the monarchy but the mob also stole weapons and gunpowder that were stored in the prison. This was important because it was a pivotal stage in the revolution.

Aug 26, 1789

Declaration of the rights of man

The Declaration of the Rights of Man is written and states that all men are equal under law. Women and children were not affected by this document. The Declaration was drafted by Abbé Sieyès and Marquis de Lafayette.

Oct 5, 1789

March on Versailles

Parisian market women lead a march on Versailles to protest about scarcity and high price of bread. It was one of the most significant events in the revolution and got women involved too.

Jul 12, 1790

Civil construction of the clergy

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is published allowing the French government control of the Church. Due to badly needed money, the government starts to sell church land. This would stabilize the economy and give the government the money they need.

Jun 20, 1791

Royal family attempts to flee

The royal Flight to Varennes, or the royal family attempting to flee was a significant event in the French Revolution in which King Louis XVI of France, his queen Marie Antoinette, and their immediate family unsuccessfully attempted to escape from Paris. They did this in order to initiate a counter-revolution but failed.

Jan 21, 1793

Execution of the king

After being put on trial the king is sentenced to death. He is executed by the guillotine on January 21, 1793. He was unanimously voted guilty.

1794

Reign of Terror

Thousands of people were sentenced to death by execution that is caused by conflict between two political parties the Jacobins, and the Girondins. The leader of the Jacobins, Maximilien arises as a new leader of the Revolution. A series of massacres and public executions took place.

Jul 27, 1794

Execution of Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, is executed and the power of the Jacobins fall with him. The Girondins gain more power as a result. This balanced the power between the two parties more.

2020