-
The clergy, nobility, and common people gathered in a meeting at Versailles. This assembly was imperative to the revolution because it launched the movement of the National Assembly. Because commoners were ignored, they banded together to protest their underrepresentation. The Convocation was one of the most important moments in the revolution since it was the levy or last straw that brought outrage and sent the whole revolution into movement.
https://www.britannica.com/event/French-Revolution -
The National Assembly was formed out of the commoners. They did this in order to unite and rise up against the monarchy. The Tennis Court Oath was the swearing that they wouldn't leave until they had formed a constitution. This oath was important because it proved that the commoners had dedication and the formation of their political party was crucial to the revolution. -
The Bastille was stormed after the Convocation of the Estate General by the same group, the commoners who were fighting for equal representation. The storming of the bastille was a way for the group to free prisoners and overthrow a main threat that the upperclass had held over their heads. Moreover, the storming of Bastille symbolized that when united, the little people could do anything. -
Austria and Prussia sought the return of the monarchy in France. Thus, the Legislative Assembly of France defended its independence by declaring war. During the conflict, many monarchs and members of the nobility were murdered. This conflict is important to the revolution because it was the point at which it became clear that the French citizens were waging a war against the majority of Europe, who wished for a monarchy, and put Jacobins in charge. -
One of the Jacobins of the time, Maximilien, rose to power and held a Reign of Terror between 1793 and 1794. He supported the public execution of many individuals for the smallest infraction and ruled as a dictator, not accepting other opinions. He also ordered the execution of King Loius XVII. His coming to power is important because of the fear that he instilled in the hearts of his citizens. -
A new government plan was drafted by leaders in the National Convention. They put corrupt rich people in charge. Nonetheless, it distributed power more evenly than an absolute monarchy. This government system allowed Napoleon to rise to power. The foundation of the new government is important because it shifted the power balance for the first time into the hands of a collective, rather than a single person. -
Napoleon became self-appointed emperor of France. This happened after the National Convention created a new constitution and sought out a new leader. The impact of Napoleon taking over was that he created new laws and reaffiliated France with the Church. This event was important because it set his plan to take over all of Europe in motion. -
The congress of Vienna was an assembly set up by foreign European countries to reorganize France. Their idea of order was to instill a monarchy once again and strengthen other countries to be able to resist France. The Congress was the end of the Revolutionary War and is thus one of the most important aspects of the conflict. -
At the end of the French Revolutionary Wars with other European countries, Napoleon surrendered to Russia and abdicated the throne. In addition to fighting Russia, the countries of Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Sweden had rallied against him. Tearing Napoleon from his seat of power was dramatic, and the surrender to Russia is indicative of how overpowered he was. The surrender is notable because it marks the end of several years of fighting. -
The battle of Waterloo took place a year after Napoleon surrendered to Russia. Napoleon had found his way back to the throne after a previous monarch was unpopular. The Battle of Waterloo ended with European countries banding together and attacking France as well as exiling Napoleon. The battle is significant as it marks the end of the fighting between France and the foreign powers over the establishment of a monarchy.