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Declaration of the National Assembly
The third estate (aka the commoners) declare the National Assembly. The National Assembly represented the common people and demanded economic reforms from the King. The Third Estate took over control of the government. This was one of the most important events of the French Revolution as it was one of the first actions taken by the commoners against Absolutist rule. URL --> https://www.ducksters.com/history/french_revolution/national_assembly.php -
Storming of the Bastille
The Storming of the Bastille was when the people attacked the government of France. The revolutionaries primarily were members of the Third Estate. This event occurred mainly due to the need for weapons. The Storming of the Bastille is one of the most important events of the French Revolution because it officially signaled the beginning of the conflict. URL --> https://www.ducksters.com/history/french_revolution/storming_of_the_bastille.php -
Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen
In 1789, the French National Constituent Assembly issued this humans rights document. It was influenced by Enlightenment though (such as natural rights). It became the basis for universal equality under the law.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen is one of the most important events because it was not only why the people of France fought in the revolution, but it was also the first time the people stood up against the King. https://www.britannica.com -
Constitution of 1791
The Constitution of 1791 was created after the collapse of the absolute monarchy. With it, France became a constitutional monarchy. The monarchy had little power and the newly formed Legislative Assembly had a majority of the power. This is an important event because it is the first written constitution of France and it completely changed the way government functioned/was run in France. URL https://www.historywiz.com/constitution1791.htm -
The September Massacres
The September Massacres were the mass killings of prisoners in Paris. More than 1,000 prisoners died within a 20 hour timespan. The main cause of the Massacres was a fear of invasion by the Prussians. The September Massacres are important because they show the violence of the Revolution. URL http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/exhibits/show/liberty--equality--fraternity/item/3119 -
The Beginning of the Guillotine
On March 20th, 1792, the guillotine became the official executive method. It was developed as a "more humane" method of execution. The people who lost their heads were generally aristocrats, foreigners, and revolutionaries. The Beginning of the Guillotine was an important event because it signaled a switch in torture/execution methods and represented the beginning of a much more violent segment of the Revolution.
URL https://www.classzone.com/net_explorations/U5/U5_article5.cfm -
Formation of the Committee of Public Safety
The Committee of Public Safety intended to function as a war council and a temporary executive cabinet. It initially was composed of nine seats that were rotated monthly. Eventually the Committee became filled with radicals. This was an important event because it was one of the committees that ruled during the Revolution and came up with war strategy. In addition, it ruled France during the Reign of Terror. URL https://alphahistory.com/frenchrevolution/committee-of-public-safety/ -
The Reign of Terror Ends
The Reign of Terror ended with the fall of Robespierre and the Jacobins. People decided to overthrow and eventually execute Robespierre because the Terror was becoming very violent and they decided it could no longer continue. This brought a little more peace to France. This event is significant because it signified the ending of a violent segment of the Revolution and the beginning of more peaceful rule. URL https://www.ducksters.com/history/french_revolution/reign_of_terror.php -
The Beginning of the Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was when radicals took control of the revolutionary government. Anyone that might not be loyal to the revolution was arrested. Oftentimes, these people were executed via the guillotine. This is an important event because it was one of the bloodiest and most violent events during the Revolution. URL https://www.ducksters.com/history/french_revolution/reign_of_terror.php -
Napoleon Becomes the Leader of France
In 1799, Napoleon overthrew the Directory and established the Consulate with Napoleon as leader of France. Essentially, the Consulate was a dictatorship. As a result, the French Revolution comes to an end. This event is important because it is what officially ends the French Revolution. URL https://www.thoughtco.com/when-did-the-french-revolution-end-1221875
