French Revolution Timeline

By Zring
  • May 5, 1789 meeting with the Estates-General

    A meeting of three estates of pre-revolutionary France. The three estates were the Clergy, Nobility, and Commons.
  • Tennis Court Oath

    A pledge that started off the French Revolution. It stated that political authority comes from the people, not the monarch.
  • Storming of the Bastille

    A raid on a medieval fortress known as the Bastille. The prison became a symbol of the monarch's rule.
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man

    A decloration of rights in France to the National Assembly. Much like the United States' Bill of rights.
  • Women's March on Versailles

    Women from the marketplaces in Paris marched to lower the price and obtain more bread. They eventually forced King Louis XVI to return to Paris with them.
  • Execution of King Louis XVI

    King Louis XVI was accused of high treason and executed by guillotine. He was accused of helping other countries to invade France to stop the revolution and remain in power.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Terror

    It was a period of the French Revolution when there were many massacres and public executions. These punishments were inflicted on anyone suspected of being unloyal to the revolution. It began with the execution of King Louis XVI.
  • Maximillian Robespierre's execution

    The execution of the leader of the Reign of Terror, caused it to be taken over by the National Conventional. Robespierre was executed in public by guillotine, much like his own victims.
  • Napoleonic Code is established

    A civil code made by Napoleon. Granted the equality of men and the security of wealth and private property
  • Napoleon Crowns himself emperor

    Napoleon was crowned emperor at the Notre Dame. This caused him to be an absolute ruler, much like King Louis XVI.
  • Period: to

    Peninsular War

    A military conflict fought by Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom against France. These countries fought and won against the forces of Napoleon.
  • Napoleon and his men march on Russia

    Napoleon's invasion of Russia to stop Russia's trade with England. The march resulted in many deaths and caused Napoleon's exile.
  • Napoleon is exiled to Elba

    Napoleon loses his throne and is exiled to the Mediteranian island of Elba. This caused the Bourbons to resume power in France.
  • Napoleon dies

    The death of Napoleon was due to a condition that was most likely stomach cancer. This impacted France and the island of St. Helena, where he died.