Robespierre

  • Elected Deputy of Third Estate

    Elected Deputy of Third Estate

    Maximillien Robespierre entered politics at 30, when he was elected to be a deputy of the national assembly
  • National Assembly is formed

    National Assembly is formed

    The Third Estate, seeking more representation, forms the National Assembly as the new legislative branch. Robespierre aligns himself with the Assembly
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

    Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

    The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is passed, with Robespierre as a major signer and champion of its ideas.
  • Elected president of the Jacobin Club

    Elected president of the Jacobin Club

    After being a member for several months, Robespierre is elected the president of the Jacobin Club, a far-left political organization.
  • Constitution of 1791 accepted

    Constitution of 1791 accepted

    The new constitution was accepted by the assembly, and ten days later, the king accepted it too. Robespierre managed to enshrine the rights to freedom of speech in the document.
  • Declares war on Austria

    Declares war on Austria

    France declares war on Austria and its allies. Robespierre is a staunch supporter of the war, urging all citizens to take up arms and go to war.
  • King Louis XVI Guillotined

    King Louis XVI Guillotined

    After being convicted of treason, the king is guillotined. Robespierre is a main supporter of his death, and afterwards rose to become one of the strongest influences in the National Convention.
  • Committee of Public Safety Formed

    Committee of Public Safety Formed

    The Committee of Public Safety was formed to combat France's enemies at home and abroad. Robespierre was appointed a member on July 27.
  • Reign of Terror Begins

    Reign of Terror Begins

    With the creation of the National Gendarmerie, the mass capture and trial of counterrevolutionaries began, with Robespierre spearheading the rooting out of people opposed to him.
  • Constitution Suspended

    Constitution Suspended

    The National Convention Suspended the Constitution of 1791, and officially recognized the Committee of Public Safety as the supreme revolutionary government.
  • Marie Antoinette Tried and Guillotined

    Marie Antoinette Tried and Guillotined

    After being tried by the National Convention, the former queen was found guilty of treason, theft, and incest, and was guillotined.
  • Abolition of Slavery

    Abolition of Slavery

    Following many years of speeches and fighting, with Robespierre as a major supporter, slavery is finally outlawed by decree in all french colonies.