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Meeting of the Estates General
The Estates-General held its first meeting in 175 years. Representatives from all three estates came together, however the third estate did not like the terms of the meeting for voting. They voted to establish the National Assembly. This was one of the most important events because it was the kick start of it. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
Tennis Court Oath
After the Third Estate delegates found themselves locked out of their meeting room, they broke down a down to an indoor tennis court. They pledged to stay there until they drew up a new constitution. This became known as the Tennis Court Oath. This was important because it helped get other people on board with reforming the government. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
Storming of the Bastille
Rumors were flowing around that Louis was intent on using military to dismiss the National Assembly. There were other people that said foreign troops were coming to Paris to massacre French citizens. People began to storm the Bastille to get guns and arms to protect themselves. This event was important because the people of Paris seized control of a governmental building. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
The Great Fear
Peasants became outlaws due to a senseless wave of panic. They armed themselves with pitch forks and broke into nobles' manor houses. They destroyed the old legal papers that bound them to pay feudal dues. This was important because it was the peasants rejecting the old system of rules. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
Women Storm Versailles
Thousands of Parisian women rioted over the continually rising price of bread. The women bearing weapons marched onto Versailles. They demand the National Assembly take action to provide bread, and then broke into the palace. This event was important because it showed how much unrest there was in France. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
Louis XVI and his Family Flee France
Louis XVI started to worry about his fate as a monarch. His advisers warned him that he was in great danger. He tried to escape from France to Austria but was apprehended before he got to the border. This event was important because it showed that Louis knew his reign was over. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
National Assembly Completes New Constitution
The Assembly completed its new constitution that Louis reluctantly approved. It created a limited constitutional monarchy and stepped the king of much of his power. It also created a new legislative body called the Legislative Assembly. This event was important because it began Frances new revolutionary government. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
France becomes a Republic
The Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution of 1791 and deposed the king, and dissolved the assembly. It called for the election of a new legislature. This new governing body abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. This event was important because it marked the end of monarchy rule in France. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
Louis XVI is executed
The National Convention tried Louis for treason. The convention found him guilty and sentenced him to death. He was beheaded by a guillotine. This event was important because it was a signal that France would not want to be ruled again by a monarch. Source book, image Wikipedia. -
The Reign of Terror Begins
A Jacobin leader named Maximilian Robespierre slowly gained power. His supporters were set on building a "republic of virtue" by wiping out France's past. He become the leader of the Committee of Public Safety and basically governed France like a dictator. This event was important because it showed that the revolution accidentally created something that it was against. Source book, image Wikipedia.
