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The storming of the Bastille was an important event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Angry Parisians stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal authority, seeking weapons and ammunition. This event demonstrated the power of the people and their determination to challenge the monarchy. This is important because it led to igniting a wave of popular uprisings throughout France.
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The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, an important document that proclaimed the equality of all citizens, protected basic liberties, and limited the power of the monarchy. It became a cornerstone of the revolution, embodying the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and inspiring revolutionary movements around the world.
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Thousands of working-class women marched from Paris to Versailles to protest the scarcity and high cost of bread, demanding that the King adressed their problems. This is important because it forced the royal family to return to Paris, ending their isolation and bringing them under the control and influence of the revolutionaries in the capital.
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King Louis XVI was tried and executed by guillotine for treason. This event symbolized the rejection of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. The execution fueled both domestic and international reactions and contributing to the radicalization of the revolution.
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The Reign of Terror was a period of intense political repression, marked by mass executions. Led by the Committee of Public Safety, headed by Maximilien Robespierre, the Reign of Terror aimed to eliminate opposition. It resulted in the execution of thousands of people, including political rivals, counter-revolutionaries, and innocent civilians, creating a lot of fear and instability.
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In the middle of chaos and instability of the revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte, a military general, staged a coup and established himself as the First Consul of France. This marked the end of the revolutionary government and the beginning of a new era. Napoleon's rise to power brought stability and order to France but also led to the expansion of French influence through military wins.
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Napoleon introduced the Napoleonic Code, a comprehensive legal system that codified laws and principles of the revolution. It provided a unified set of laws for all citizens, promoting equality before the law, property rights, and religious tolerance. The Napoleonic Code had a big impact not only in France but also in many countries influenced by French law.
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The Battle of Waterloo marked the final defeat of Napoleon and the end of the era. British and Prussian forces, defeated Napoleon's army. This event reshaped the political landscape of Europe, restoring monarchy in France and ushering in a period of stability and restoration.
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The Congress of Vienna was an international conference that aimed to redraw the map of Europe and establish a balance of power after the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The congress sought to restore legitimacy to monarchies, suppress revolutionary ideals, and maintain peace in Europe. It set the stage for a new era of conservative politics and diplomatic relations in the 19th century.