French Revolution Timeline

  • July 14

    The French Revolution begins with the storming of the bastille.
  • October 15

    A large group of women and men march from Paris to Versailles to demand lower bread prices. They forced the king and queen to move back to Paris.
  • September 14

    September 14
    King Louis XIV formally signs the new constitution.
  • March 20

    The guillotine becomes the official method of the execution.
  • April 20

    France declares war against Austria.
  • January 21

    January 21
    King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine.
  • March 7

    Civil war breaks out in the Vendee area of France between revolutionaries and royalists..
  • September 5

    he Reign of Terror begins as Robespierre, the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, declares that terror will be the "order of the day" for the revolutionary government.
  • July 27

    The Reign of Terror comes to an end as Robespierre is overthrown.
  • July 28

    July 28
    Robespierre is executed by guillotine.
  • November 2

    The Directory is formed and takes control of the government of France.
  • November 9

    Napoleon overthrows the Directory and establishes the French Consulate with Napoleon as leader of France. This brings an end to the French Revolution.