French Revolution

  • Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI

    Marie Antoinette, Archduchess of Austria, marries Louis XVI, Dauphin of France.
  • King Louis XVI

    Louis XVI is crowned king of France at the age of 19.
  • The Estates-General

    A meeting of all three estates (clergy, nobility, and common people) takes place, in the hopes of finding a solution to France's financial problems.
  • Tennis Court Oath

    Being locked out of the Estates-General, the third estate (common people) creates a pledge to not disband until a new constitution had been introduced, marking the first time anyone had stood up to King Louis XVI.
  • The Great Fear

    Peasant rebellions arose in France, in which nobility was terrorized and riots occurred. This would last until August 3, 1789.
  • National Convention

    The National Convention of France is created, therfore abolishing monarchy and declaring France to be a republic.
  • Louis XVI executed

    King Louis XVI is found guilty of treason and killed by guillotine
  • Reign of Terror

    Maximilien Robespierre becomes the new leader of France. During his time, he changes the calendar and kills over 1000 enemies. This would last until July 28, 1794.
  • Marie Antoinette executed

    Marie Antoinette is found guilty of treason and killed by guillotine.
  • Robespierre executed

    Because of his actions as ruler, Maximilien Robespierre is killed by guillotine.
  • Napoleon leads the armies

    Napoleon Bonaparte is put in command of France's armies, and is seen as a war hero.
  • Napoleon as ruler

    Napoleon stages a coup d'etat and declares himself as dictator of France.
  • Exile to Elba

    After a military defeat, Napoleon is exiled to Elba.
  • 100 days

    Napoleon escapes from Elba and returns to France, building an army to fight the British forces.
  • Battle of Waterloo

    Napoleon is defeated in the Battle of Waterloo and is exiled to St. Helena.