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American Independence
Although the American Revolution did not directly effect the French government, it weakened it. The French helped the Americans win their independence from Great Britain. They saw this big change as a hope for them and a possibility for them to change the ways of their own government. -
Tax Request
Charles-Alexandre de Calonne proposed to impose property taxes on all three estates. The Parliment refuesd and France entered a year of conflict between the royal government and Parliments. Eventually, King Lous XVI gave in and called a meeting of the Estates General. This event is important because it showed the the government was willing to give in or at least appear to try to please the public. -
Estates General
The meeting of the Estates General finally arrived. They wanted there to be representation of the estates by head, since the 98% of the population was the Third Estate. When the Third Estate was locked out of the meeting, the had their own meeting on the tennis court and drafted up a new constitution. This is important because it was the final breaking point of the French people; they were not going to sit back and get taken advantage of anymore. -
Bastille's Day
The people of Paris stormed the streets and attacked Invalides fortress for 30,000 muskets. They then went to Bastille and released the seven prisoners. Bastille was considered a representation of the king's absolute power. This is important because when they broke in and released the prisoners, it represented the king losing his power over the country of France, -
New Start
The Assembly signed what is now considered the "death certificate of the old order." It gave rights to all of the citizens except for women and slaves. It was also inspired to the American Declaration of Independence. This is important because it shows the new "foundation" of the French government. -
Eradication of Curch Power
The National Assembly passed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy to stop the church control. The Clergy would be elected by the citzens and paid by the state. They also had to swear an oath of allefiance to the state. This is important because it showed that the state was setting its foundations by banning the church control. -
Royal Family House Arrest
The royal family tried to flee to Austria in June of 1792, but were captured and placed on house arrest. War was declared on Austria, and since they had allies, Prussia too. King Louis XVI was beheaded for "conspiracy against liberty." This is important because it makrked a major change for France, getting rid of it's ruler and replaced him. -
Reign of Terror
Starting in September of 1973, this ten month span was when Robespierre had suspected enemies of the revolution beheaded. During this time, they tried to eradicate Christianity from France. Robespierre was eventually executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror. This is important because it marks the chaos of the country inbetween government leadership. -
New Constitution
The National Convention approved the new constitution for the country's first bicameral legislature. The power was now being split amongst five people that are chosen by Parliment called the Directory. Napoleon Bonaparte opposed this, but he was silenced. This is important because it shows a solution to the chaos, but it also shows that some people were still at unease about it all. -
Napoleon Bonaparte - End of Revolution
The four years the Directory was in power were unsuccessful, leading to many financial crises, discontent among the people, inefficiency, and political corruption. The military maintained the majority of authority. Napoleon staged a coup d'etat and abolished the Directory and became the country's first consul. This event ended the French Revolution and began the Napoleon Era. This is important because it marks the end of the revolution and one of the most important time periods in history.
