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The financial and political issues have gotten horrible so Louis XVI calls the Estates General. The meeting consisted of people who represented each social class, The meeting was about the issue of more taxation on the lower classes. The meeting is the start of the French revolution. https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/summoning-estates-general-1789#:~:text=The%20political%20and%20financial%20situation,undertake%20reforms%20in%20the%20country. -
The third class representatives knew they would be taxed even higher with France falling deeper into debt. The third class found themselves locked out of their meeting in Versailles. In defiance of this the representatives went to a nearby tennis court. The people made an oath to never separate until there was a written constitution. (https://www.britannica.com/event/Tennis-Court-Oath) -
French revolutionists stormed the Bastille to really kick off the revolution. The governor of the prison was afraid they would attack it so he got reinforcements. Many barrels of gunpowder were stored at the prison. The guards surrendered to the mob and the prisoners were released. The revolutionists had taken their weapons and powder. The governor of the prison was taken by the mob and murdered.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/french-revolutionaries-storm-bastille -
in July of 1789 The National Constitute Assembly started to talk about how they would protect the rights of the people. This was inspired by The American revolution in the British colonies. In August 26 1789 the document was passed. A big help in this was Lafayette. Lafayette helped the Americans and was inspirational in France. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-the-Rights-of-Man-and-of-the-Citizen
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Women in marketplaces of France rioted over the high prices of bread. A big crowd of women marched all the way to Versailles to protest and riot. The protesters found an unguarded gate and stormed Versailles. The crowd searched for the king and queen but could not find them. They were hiding in a place no one could find. The king addressed the crowd then went to Paris.
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During the French Revolution they needed administrative and financial framework for the new government. This Constitution would cut the number of bishops from 135-83. The people would now elect their bishops. Also the state would pay their salaries. Many people in the church were against this. https://www.britannica.com/event/Civil-Constitution-of-the-Clergy -
In June 1791 the king and queen tried to escape house arrest. This was big to the people because it showed the king did not care for them. He Was caught 30 kilometers from his goal of Varennes. https://alphahistory.com/frenchrevolution/flight-to-varennes/ -
The constitution was made by the National Assembly. Monarchy was still kept but most of the voting relied in the hands of the people. People who paid taxes were allowed to vote. It was only men and about 66% of them. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Constitution-of-1791-French-history -
France declares war on Austria on April fourth 1792. The purpose was too spread the effects of the revolution to European countries. The monarchy wanted war because they wanted the new government in France too be defeated. Revolutionists wanted war because they wanted to unite the country and spread their ideas. https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/history-of-war/like-win-six-month-subscription-history-war/ -
Dr. Joseph Guillotin argued against tortious punishment of lower level criminals. The Guillotine made lawmakers make more humanitarian ways of execution. The Guillotine could be used for swift and painless executions https://www.history.com/news/the-guillotines-first-cut -
Napoleon 3 declared war on France in 1792. He did this because with a victory over France he could gain popularity. After some victories and innovation France thought they were a superior Army. https://www.britannica.com/event/Franco-German-War -
Very shortly after being accused of conspiracy Louis is executed using the Guillotine. After trying to escape France and treating the people poorly, they finally found a reason to execute him. This was significant because it marked the end of his rule and no more monarchy. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/king-louis-xvi-executed#:~:text=One%20day%20after%20being%20convicted,de%20la%20Revolution%20in%20Paris. -
The public of public safety was not one the first powerful committee in France. Before their were three national legislatures. They dealt with issues concerning the countries safety and outside threats. After the execution of Louis they needed a new leader. Charles Dumouriez was to take leadership of it. Right after the news of this the Committee of Public Safety was founded. https://alphahistory.com/frenchrevolution/committee-of-public-safety/ -
A few months after the execution of Louis, Marie Antionette was found guilty of treason. The people had found another reason to get rid of the previous Monarchy. The Wife of Louis XVI was executed and it was another significant mark in the revolution. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/marie-antoinette-is-beheaded -
Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. After he was elected a law passed that took away a suspects right of representation. People rallied against Robespierre and captured him. His capturing and death were controversial but his followers were killed and he was executed.
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