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Period: to
French Revolution
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The Thermidrian Reaction and the Directory
The time following the killing of Robespierre was known as the Thermidorian Reaction. To control executive responsibilities, a group known as the Directory was formed. -
Fall of the Bastile
A medievil fortress in east Paris that was mostly used to house political prisoners.The commander of the Bastille, Marquis de Launay and his troops resisted for a few hours before they surrendered to the mob. -
Meeting of the estates general
This was meant to solve the monarchys financial problems. The members of the Third Estate decided to form their own National Assembly. After being locked out of the meeting of the Estates General, they moved to an indoor tennis court where they pledged the so-called Tennis Court Oath. -
March on Versailles
Many people in Paris and the rest of France were hungry, unemployed and restless. In October, a large crowd of protesters, mostly women, marched from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, and convinced the royal family of the hardships of the French people. -
Flight to Varennes
The National Assembly continued working on a new constitution for France. The King would have veto power but the National Assembly could overrule his veto. -
The Royal Family Flees
Unrest in Paris in the spring of 1791 convinced the queen, Marie Antoinette, that the family must flee. With the help of a loyal friend, Count Axel von Fersen, an escape was organized. When they reached Varennes, they were recognized and National Guardsmen escorted them back to Paris through jeering crowds. -
The Declaration of Pillnitz
In response to Louis XVI’s capture and forced return to Paris, Prussia and Austria issued the Declaration of Pillnitz on August 27, 1791, warning the French against harming the king and demanding that the monarchy be restored. The declaration also implied that Prussia and Austria would intervene militarily in France if any harm came to the king. -
New constitution
Louis XVI approves National Assembly’s new constitution, which establishes constitutional monarchy -
Dissolution of the National Assembly
France was proclaimed a constitutional monarchy. No member of the National Assembly was elected to the new legislative body as it was agreed earlier that the members of the National Assembly would not be allowed to hold a seat in the new parliament. -
Massacres of La Glacière
The bloody massacres of La Glacière that took place during 16–17 October 1791 in the Tour de la Glacière. -
War
Tensions with the rest or Europe continued to rise. In Franch the support of the war was growing as well. -
France goes war with Austria
On April 21, 1792, the French government declared war on Austria. As Prussia was allied with Austria, France found itself fighting a war against both countries. -
Declaration of the Republic and the Trial of Louis
Meanwhile, the French military had halted the foreign invasion and pushed back the Austrians and Prussians. Louis was charged with treason. The vote at the end of the trial was unanimous: Louis was guilty. -
Attack on the Tuileries Palace
The Austrian army and its Prussian allies started advancing into the French territory. The king was viewed by his country a traitor for trying to flee to an old enemy country. -
Regin of Terror
Most leaders of the French Revolution were now either dead or had fled the republic. Robespierre was arrested, and was guillotined the following day. -
Directory and the Rise of Napoleon
Almost from the start, the Directory became mired in corruption, political conflict, financial problems and depended on the army to remain in power. Napoleon established what he called the Consulate and himself as the First Consul.
