French Revolution Timeline

  • Louis XVI crowned King of France

    Louis XVI crowned King of France
    Louis succeeded his grandfather Louis XV as king of France. He was the last king of France in the line of Bourbon monarchs
  • Period: to

    American Revolution

    The American Revolution was one of the things led France to bankruptcy. The French sent troops to help Americans against the British, and ultimatly helped them get on their feet in war.
  • Attack on Bastile

    Attack on Bastile
    Bastille was a state prison that was attacked by an angry mob. The prison had become a symbol of the monarchy’s dictatorial rule. This act had started the "French Revolution"
  • Calling of the Estates-General

    Calling of the Estates-General
    The King calls a meeting of the Estates General, there hasn’t been a meeting from 1614 to 1789. He wants to discuss taxing the 1st and 2nd estates. The first estate got really upset about this because they only get one vote no matter there size.
  • The Tennis Court Oath

    The Tennis Court Oath
    The National Assembly was locked out of their usual meeting spot so they went to a nearby indoor tennis court, once they had done this they said their oath.
  • French Women force Louis XVI to leave Versailles

    French Women force Louis XVI to leave Versailles
    There were poor harvests in 1788 and 1789. There were bread shortages and high prices angered many French women. They all marched to the Palace of Versailles and overthrew the king.
  • Formation of the National Assembly

    Formation of the National Assembly
    The 3rd estate had joined together and made a assembly. even though there assembly was made up of mainly 3rd estate poeple, there where also 2nd and some 1st estates there with them and supporting them.
  • Declaration of war against Austria

    Declaration of war against Austria
    The National Assembly declared war against Austria because they felt threatened by the foreign monarchs. The Girondins also wanted war as a way of spreading the revolution throughout Europe. After lots of hard work the third estate had defeated the monarchs.
  • The National Convention is formed

     The National Convention is formed
    On September 21, 1792, the National Convection was formed. The National Convention was elected to provide a new constitution for the country after the overthrow of the monarchy.
  • Louis XVI is executed

    Louis XVI is executed
    King Louis XVI was executed on January 21, 1793. He was tried for treason and executed by the guillotine. His wife Maria Antoinette was excecuted in october, 9 months after Louis XVI was.
  • The Thermidorian Reaction

    The Thermidorian Reaction
    The Thermidorian Reaction was in July, 1794. This resulted in the fall of Maximillian Robespierre and the collapse of revolutionary intensity and the Reign of Terror in France. The people had had enough and Robespierre. he was executed by the guillotine.
  • The Directory is Formed

    The Directory is Formed
    The bourgeoisie powered the Directory. They were unable to solve France’s financial crisis's. They where also unable to salve France's food problems.
  • Napoleon Takes power

    Napoleon Takes power
    Napoleon takes power in 1799. Coup d’état, meaning “blow to the state”. That is how Napoleon came to power.
  • Napoleon Invades Russia

    Napoleon Invades Russia
    Napoleon was angry the Russians didn't obey the Continental System. Napoleon invaded Russia with an army of 680,000 men in June. The Russians retreated and Napoleon continued to pursue long into the winter months and went back to Paris with only 120,000 soldiers.
  • Battle of Waterloo

    Battle of Waterloo
    Napoleon was welcomed back by the French people after he escaped from Elba. The British and Prussians crushed Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He was then exiled to the island of St. Helena.