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American Revolution begins
The American Revolution was a revolution of the people of the Thirteen Colonies, who were trying to gain freedom of Great Britain. This was one of the reason's France became in debt because France was giving aid to America during the American Revolution. -
Louis XVI crowned King of France
Previously known as Louis Auguste, Louis XVI was crowned King when he was 19 years old. With the crown came the wife, Marie Antoinette. The government later becomes in serious debt which will cause problems in France. -
Calling of the Estates-General
The Estates-General was an assembly made to represent each of the three estates, which was made by King Louis XVI. They had unfair laws against the third estate, which consisted of most of the citizens of France. It was ended when the third estate made the National Assembly. -
Formation of the National Assembly
The National Assembly was a revolutionary assembly formed by the third estate. They made laws against unfair taxation against the third estate and dealt with food shortages. The National Assembly ended when the Legislative Assembly replaced it in 1791. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath is when the members of the Estates-General took an oath vowing not to leave until their problem is solved. They were rioting against the king and the clergy because of the country's fiscal and agricultural crisis. -
Attack on Bastille
Also known as the 'Storming of Bastille,' this marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Because of the problems caused by the government, the Third Estate led a revolution against the king. Bastille is a representation of the king and the clergy, and they wore France's colors as they stormed through Bastille. -
French women force Louis XVI to leave Versailles
Also known as the Women's March on Versailles or the October March, this was one of the earliest events of the French Revolution. This happened because the women of the marketplace of Paris were angry because of the too-high prices of the bread. These women forced King Louis XVI and most of his family to come with them back to Paris. -
The National Convention is formed
The National Convention was the second government formed in France during the French Revolution. This convention stripped power from the king and the clergy. After the new constitution was made, and Robespierre fell out of power, the National Convention fell with him and this led to the creation of the French Directory -
Declaration of war against Austria
In 1792, the legislative body of France declared war on Austria. European monarchs were suspicious of France and their revolution. At first, the French weren't doing well, but eventually they became better fighters against Austria. -
Louis XVI is executed
Louis XVI was executed through the guillotine. This was a major event of the revolution. He was condemned to death by a large majority of the people of France. -
Period: to
Reign of Terror
Also known as The Terror, the Reign of Terror was a time where many people died because of the new rules given by Robespierre when he became leader. Robespierre glorified terror and had thousands killed during this time. The Reign of Terror ended after the fall of Robespierre. -
The Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction was when Robespierre was denounced by the members of the National Convention. Robespierre and many of his followers were arrested and sent to jail because of the Thermidorian Reaction. -
The Directory is formed
The Directory is a group of five French men that replaced the Committee of Public Safety. This ended the rule of Robespierre, and had all his followers executed at the guillotine. This also caused France to expand and many developments were formed, such as the new Constitution, but it also caused bad occurrences such as financial issues. It was overthrown by Napoleon. -
Napoleon takes power
Napoleon was a military leader who rose to power during the French Revolution. He built a large empire through the Napoleonic Wars and improved France. While he improved France, he also went against enlightenment ideas, which hurt France. He ended up being exiled to St. Helena where he died. -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon invaded Russia in hopes to defeat Russia's powerful army. It lasted five months, and they lost. This is one of the Napoleonic Wars where Napoleon lost. -
Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo
After Napoleon regained power in 1815, France's states formed armies against him. The Battle of Waterloo was when Napoleon was defeated. He was later exiled to the small island of Saint Helena.
