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Excessive spending and poor harvests lead to a financial crisis in France
France's financial crisis was driven by royal extravagance, costly wars like the American Revolution, and poor harvests leading to widespread famine. This economic instability fueled widespread discontent among the population, particularly in the Third Estate (common people), and set the stage for revolutionary unrest. -
Tennis Court Oath
Members of the Third Estate pledged not to disband until they had drafted a new constitution for France. This act of defiance against King Louis XVI symbolized the unity of the people in challenging royal authority and was a key moment in the early Revolution. -
King Louis XVI calls the Estates General
The Estates General was convened to address the financial crisis, marking the first time it was called in 175 years. The meeting revealed deep divisions between the estates, with the Third Estate demanding greater representation and reforms, eventually leading to the formation of the National Assembly. -
The storming of the Bastille
The Bastille, a prison and symbol of royal tyranny, was stormed by Parisian revolutionaries. This event demonstrated the growing power of the revolutionary movement and is celebrated as a key turning point in the French Revolution. -
The Great Fear in the countryside
A wave of panic swept through rural France as rumors of aristocratic plots to suppress the Revolution spread. Peasants attacked noble estates, leading to the abolition of feudal privileges and escalating revolutionary changes. -
The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
This document outlined the fundamental principles of the Revolution, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity. It declared that all men are born free with equal rights, laying the ideological foundation for modern democracies. -
The Constitution of 1791 sets up a constitutional monarchy in France
The Constitution limited the power of the king and established a constitutional monarchy. Although it aimed to balance power, it failed to satisfy radicals and conservatives, setting the stage for further instability. -
The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria
The war was declared out of fear of foreign monarchies intervening to suppress the Revolution. This decision escalated internal and external conflicts, radicalized politics, and led to the fall of the monarchy. -
Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine
The execution of the king marked the definitive end of the monarchy and signaled the rise of the radical Jacobins. It also intensified opposition from foreign powers and loyalists, leading to more revolutionary violence. -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
This period saw mass executions of perceived enemies of the Revolution under Robespierre's leadership. It showcased the radical extremes of revolutionary ideals but also led to Robespierre's downfall and the end of radicalism. -
The Directory is installed
A five-member committee replaced the radical Jacobin government, ushering in a more moderate phase of the Revolution. However, the Directory struggled with corruption, inefficiency, and instability, paving the way for Napoleon's rise. -
Napoleon's coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory
Napoleon capitalized on the Directory's weaknesses to seize power in a bloodless coup, becoming First Consul. This event marked the end of the Revolution and the beginning of Napoleon’s authoritarian rule. -
Napoleon is declared Emperor
By declaring himself Emperor, Napoleon consolidated his power and established a French Empire. This transition symbolized the transformation of revolutionary ideals into centralized authoritarian rule. -
Napoleon is defeated in Russia
Napoleon's invasion of Russia ended disastrously due to harsh weather, logistical failures, and Russian resistance. This defeat weakened his army and marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, leading to his decline. -
Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo and exiled to St. Helena
The Battle of Waterloo ended Napoleon's brief return to power during the Hundred Days. After his defeat, he was exiled to St. Helena, marking the final end of his rule and the Napoleonic Wars, restoring relative peace in Europe.