French Revolution Timeline

  • Imprisonment of Voltaire

    Imprisonment of Voltaire

    Was imprisoned in the Bastille. Spent nearly a year in jail.
  • The Publication of the Social Contract Rousseau

    The Publication of the Social Contract Rousseau

    Theorized Rousseau's best way to establish a political community. Inspired many revolutions in Europe.
  • Birth of Napoleon

    Birth of Napoleon

    Was the second child. Was born in Ajaccio.
  • Louis XVI was crowned

    Louis XVI was crowned

    Was the last king before the Revolution. Was executed for treason by guillotine.
  • Napoleon had School in France

    Napoleon had School in France

    Attended a school in France and learned how to speak French. After he attended a military school.
  • Formation of National Assembly

    Formation of National Assembly

    Existed till July 9. Was replaced by the Legislative Assembly.
  • Tennis Court Oath

    Tennis Court Oath

    Vowed not to separate and to reassemble whatever circumstances require, until the constitution of the kingdom is established. 577 members agreed to the oath.
  • Storming the Bastille

    Storming the Bastille

    Was raided of weapons and gunpowder. Around 1000 men participated.
  • San Culotte Attack on the Prisoners

    San Culotte Attack on the Prisoners

    Lasted till September 6. Was also known as the First Terror.
  • Formation of the National Convention

    Formation of the National Convention

    Lasted until October 26, 1795. Was elected to provide a new constitution.
  • Execution of Louis XVI

    Execution of Louis XVI

    Was convicted and condemned of death by a narrow majority. Was put on trial by treason.
  • The Murder of Marat

    The Murder of Marat

    Was killed by Charlotte Corday while in a medical bath. Corday was executed four days later.
  • The Massacre of Lyon

    The Massacre of Lyon

    French Republican forces laid siege and captured Lyon. Ended on October 9, 1793.
  • Napoleon Starting Rule

    Napoleon Starting Rule

    Named himself emperor. Named himself after a 1799 coup d'etat.
  • 1806 with Napoleon's rule

    1806 with Napoleon's rule

    Sought to wage large scale economic warfare with Britain. Appointed his brother to rule as king in southern Italy.
  • Napoleon Exiled

    Napoleon Exiled

    Was exiled to Elba. Throne was taken by his son.
  • Napoleon Death

    Napoleon Death

    Died of stomach ulcers. Died in Saint Helena.