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Louis XVI crowned King of France
Louis succeeded his grandfather Louis XV as king of France. He was the last king of France in the line of Bourbon monarchs preceding the French Revolution. -
American Revolution Begins
The American Revolution was one of the things led France to bankruptcy. The French sent troops to help Americans against the British. -
Calling of the Estates-General
The King calls a meeting of the Estates General, there hasn’t been a meeting from 1614 to 1789. He wants to discuss taxing the 1st and 2nd estates. The 3rd estate gets upset that they only get one vote no matter their size. -
Formation of the National Assembly
The 3rd estate was upset because of unfair representation. They revolt and create their own body. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The National Assembly was locked out of their usual meeting spot so they went to a nearby indoor tennis court. “Let us swear to God and our country that we will not disperse until we have established a sound and just constitution, as instructed by those who nominated us.” That is the oath. -
Attack on the Bastille
Bastille was a state prison that was attacked by an angry mob. The prison had become a symbol of the monarchy’s dictatorial rule. This marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
French Women force Louis XVI to leave Versailles
There were poor harvests in 1788 and 1789. There were bread shortages and high prices angered many French women. They all marched to the Palace of Versailles. -
Declaration of war against Austria
The National Assembly declared war against Austria because they felt threatened by the foreign monarchs. The Girondins also wanted war as a way of spreading the revolution throughout Europe. -
The National Convention is formed
On September 21, 1792, the National Convection was formed. The National Convention was elected to provide a new constitution for the country after the overthrow of the monarchy. They set aside the Constitution, abolished the monarchy, and made France a republic. -
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Reign of Terror
Robespierre's reign was known as the reign of terror. People were tried and executed by the guillotine. -
Louis XVI is executed
King Louis XVI was executed on January 21, 1793. He was tried for treason and executed by the guillotine. Marie Antoinette was executed 9 months later. -
The Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction was in July, 1794. This resulted in the fall of Maximillian Robespierre and the collapse of revolutionary intensity and the Reign of Terror in France. The people had had enough and Robespierre was executed by the guillotine. -
The Directory is Formed
The bourgeoisie powered the Directory. They were unable to solve France’s financial crisis and food shortage. -
Napoleon Takes power
Napoleon takes power in 1799. Coup d’état, meaning “blow to the state”. That is how Napoleon came to power. -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon was angry the Russians didn't obey the Continental System. Napoleon invaded Russia with an army of 680,000 men in June. The Russians retreated and Napoleon continued to pursue long into the winter months and went back to Paris with only 120,000 soldiers. -
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon was welcomed back by the French people after he escaped from Elba. The British and Prussians crushed Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He was exiled to the island of St. Helena.
