French Revolution and Napoleon

By gapeprp

  • The Great Fear in the Countryside

    Peasants across France panicked over rumors that the nobles had planned an attack on them. In response, they attacked a manor house and destroyed records. This violence pressured them to abolish feudalism.

  • The Tennis Court Oath

    Members of the Third Estates swore not to separate until France had a written constitution. They had met in a tennis court after being locked out of their usual meeting hall. This directly challenged authority.

  • The Womens March on Versailles

    Thousands of Parisian women marched to Versailles to protest the bread shortages. They forced King Louis XVI and his family to return to Paris.

  • The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria

    France feared that the foreign monarchies would attack the revolution. War was seen as a way to defend the revolutionary ideals.
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    Robespierre’s Reign of Terror

    The government used terror to protect the revolution. Thousands of people were executed as enemies of the state.

  • Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine

    Louis XVI was accused of betraying France. His execution ended the monarchy, and it triggered fear of internal enemies.

  • The Directory is installed

    The Directory replaced the radical government at the time. It aimed to prevent another dictatorship. The weak leadership created an opportunity for Napoleon.

  • Napoleon’s Coup d’État Overthrowing the Directory

    Napoleon helped overthrow the weak government. He used his military force and political pressure to seize control. This ended the French Revolution and befan his rise to power.

  • Napoleon is declared Emperor

    Napoleon seized power and crowned himself as the Emperor. The revolutionary ideals gave him the power to rule authoritatively. This would end up leading to widespread wars.

  • Napoleon is defeated by Horatio Nelson

    Britain's navy crushed the French fleet. This means that Napoleon had lost control of the seas. This means that Napoleon had to rely on economic warfare.

  • The Continental System is implemented

    Napoleon wanted to attempt to economically weaken Britain. He banned trade between Britain and Europe. The system angered the allies since they were losing money.
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    Napoleon is defeated at Leipzig

    The European allies defeated Napoleon in Germany. It was his largest and most decisive defeat. This loss led to his abdication and exile.

  • Napoleon is Defeated in Russia

    Napoleon invaded Russia with a massive army. Harsh winter conditions and a lack of supplies ruined his forces.

  • Napoleon is Exiled to Elba

    After a series of military defeats, Napoleon abdicated the throne. He was sent to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. This ecile was meant to permanently remove him from power.

  • Napoleon Is Defeated at Waterloo

    Napoleon returned from exile and tried to regain control of France. Allied forces led by Britain and Prussia defeated him at Waterloo. This ended his rule for good.