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King Louis XVI Marriage
King Louis XVI married Marie Antionette. King Louis XVI was 15 years old. Marie Antionette was 14 years old. They were married by proxy in the Augustine church in Vienna. Marie Antionette was from Austria. -
King Louis XVI becomes King
King Louis XVI became king at age 20. He became king after his grandfather died. At this time France's military was ineffecient, and the country was in economical turmoil. He sent forces to America during the Independence War. This was a key point in the independentist's naval victory. -
National Assembly Created
The National Assembly was created due to the economic strain on France. The National Assembly became the basis for legislative bodies in France. It established the beginning of the transition of power form the monarchy to a democracy. The National Assembly operated in the name of the people. It restored the faith in the credit market. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath was a result of growing disconnect of the Third Estate in France. The men of the Third Estate were supporters of reform. When members of the Third Estate arrived at their assigned meeting hall, the doors were locked. They moved the meeting to a nearby indoor tennis court. The Tennis Court Oath showed the sovereignty of the people did not reside with the King, but in the people themselves and their representatives. -
The Bastille Attack
The Bastille was a prison in Paris, France. The people of Paris attacked the Bastille following several days of protest. They were after gunpowder and weapons kept at the prison. Two people were chosen to represent those outside into the fortress to talk to the Governor. The crowd swept into the Bastille at about 5:30 pm. -
Declaration of Rights of Man
This manifesto was adopted by France's National Assembly. It served as a preamble to the Constitution of 1791. The basic principal was that "all men are born free and equal in right." It established the principal of equality before the law and the freedoms of religion and speech. The Declaration of Rights of Man is made up of 17 articles. -
Women March to Versailles
A large group of French women came together in the Central marketplace of Paris. This was one of the most violent episodes that occurred during the French Revolution. It was staged in an effort to obtain bread and force the high price of bread down. Versailles was known as a royal paradise reserved for the royal families with excessive luxaries available only to the King and his family. This angered the French women who only wanted to be able to feed themselves and their families. -
Royal Family Tries to Escape
King Louis XVI feared for the lives of himself and his family. They attempted to escape into Austria. Marie Antionette's brother was emperor of Austria. The royal family was recognized, arrested and returned to Paris. They had to remain at their home as prisoners. -
France Goes to War with Austria/Prussia
France declared war on Austria. Prussia decided to back Austria so the two countries invaded France. Prussia was anxious to go to war with France because of the German-French border tensions. A new government called the Commune imprisioned the King and took over power. The Commune held an election to choose representatives for the new assembly. -
King Killed
King Louis XVI was convicted of conspiracy with foreign powers and was sentenced to death. King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine. King Louis XVI was unsuited to deal with the financial problems he inherited from his grandfather. King Louis XVI resisted the advice of the constitutional monarchs who sought reform. Nine months later, Marie Antionette was convicted of treason. -
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror began after the death of Louis XVI. Public executions were considered educational. Women were encouraged to sit and knit during trials and executions. The Revolution Tribunal ordered the execution of 2,400 people in Paris by 1794. The Reign of Terror wasa designed to fight the enemies of the revolution, to prevent counter-revolution from gaining ground. -
Robespierre Executed
Maximilien Robespierre was the mastermind of the Reign of Terror. He was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, the executive committee of the National Convention and the most powerful man in France. The convention rose up in 1794 against Robespierre. He was arrested and sent to the guillotine the next day. He was the last victim of the Reign of Terror. -
Directory Established
The Directory was made up of 5 dictators, who held power from 1795 to 1799. The Directory was forced to deal with the effects of the previous French governments. Many members of the public distrusted the government. The Directory chose to keep the nation in a state of prolonged conflict. Napoleon seized sole dictatorial power over Franch. -
Battle of the Pyramids
The Battle of the Pyramids was also known as the Battle of Embabeh. Napoleon Bonaparte and his French troops captured Cairo. Control of Egypt provided France with a new source of income, as well as the ability to block the Red Sea. The Red Sea was a major route of English access to India. Up to 6,000 Egyptians are thought to have perished in the conflict. -
Napoleon Bonaparte becomes French Leader
Napoleon formed a key political alliance and seized control of the French government. A new constituion was approved by the French people which replaced The Directory with a 3 member consulate. Napoleon became the first consul. As first consul, Napoleon sought peace. Napoleon proved to be a superb civil administrator. -
Introduction of Civil Code
The Civil Code was established under Napoleon. The French code forbade privilege based on birth, allowed freedom of religion and that government jobs go to the most qualified. The Civil Code was drafted by a commission of 4 eminent jurists. The code was a major step in replacing feudal laws. Historian Robert Holtman regards it as one of the few documents to have influenced the whole world.
