French Revolution and Napoleonic Era

By blyborders

  • Financial crisis in France

    France faced debt from wars and lavish royal spending, plus food shortages. This crisis forced King Louis XVI to seek solutions, leading him to call the Estates General.

  • National Assembly is formed

    Nobles and clergy sided with commoners, strengthening the Assembly. This unity led to the Tennis Court Oath, promising a new constitution.

  • The Great Fear

    Peasants revolted against nobles, fearing repression. Pressure from these uprisings pushed the Assembly to adopt the Declaration of Rights.

  • King Louis XVI calls the Estates General

    Representatives of the three estates met to solve France’s financial problems. The Third Estate demanded more power, sparking the creation of the National Assembly.

  • The Tennis Court Oath

    Members of the National Assembly vowed not to separate until a constitution was written. This defiance inspired revolutionary action, including the storming of the Bastille.

  • The storming of the Bastille

    Revolutionaries attacked the prison, symbolizing the fight against tyranny. This event encouraged uprisings like the Great Fear in the countryside.

  • The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

    A document declared liberty, equality, and rights for citizens. This challenged royal authority and set the stage for constitutional monarchy.

  • The Constitution of 1791

    The king’s power was limited and a Legislative Assembly was created. Foreign monarchs feared revolution spreading, leading France to declare war on Austria.

  • The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria

    France fought Austria to defend the revolution. War pressures and radicalism led to the king’s execution.

  • Robespierre’s Reign of Terror

    Thousands were executed as “enemies of the revolution.” Fear and instability led to the fall of Robespierre and the rise of the Directory.

  • Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine

    The king was killed for treason against the revolution. His death cleared the way for radical rule under Robespierre.

  • The Directory is installed

    A five‑man government replaced radical rule. Weak leadership allowed Napoleon to seize power in a coup.

  • Napoleon’s coup d’état, overthrowing the Directory

    Napoleon took control and became First Consul. His success led him to declare himself Emperor.

  • Napoleon is declared Emperor

    Napoleon crowned himself, showing his authority over church and state. His ambition led to wars across Europe, including defeats by Nelson and later at Leipzig.

  • Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo and exiled to St. Helena

    After escaping Elba, Napoleon was finally defeated by British and Prussian forces. His fall ended the Napoleonic Era and restored monarchy in France.