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Estates-General Convenes
As the financial situation in France worstened the upper class demanded that the king call the Estates-General before matters declined any further. The nobles hoped they would be able to bring the monarchy under control and aide the financial crisis. -
Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly
Feeling that they better represented the people of France, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly. Along with delegates from other Estates, they composed a constitution for France. -
Storming of the Batille
Scared that royal troops would occupy Paris, over 800 partisans mobed the Bastille, demanding firearms. The Bastille was a fortress used for holding political prisoners. When the comander of the Bastille refused to open the doors, and opened fire on the crowd, the partisans broke though, killing gaurds and releasing prisoners. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man issued
The Declaration of the Rights of Man, modeled after the American Declaration of Independence, was issued by the Assembly. It embodies enlightenment ideas such as the purpose of government. -
Louis XVI executed
Louis XVI was put on trial and convicted for treason after attempting to escape Paris. He was sentence to death and beheaded soon after. -
Maximilien Robespierre assumes leadership of the Committee of Public Safety
The Convention created a 12-man Comittee of Public Safety to deal with France's growing threats. It had almost absolute power. Robespierre, a lawyer and politicial soon rose to the position of leading the comittee. -
Robespierre is guillotined
Calling for the reign of terror to come to an end, the Convention turned on the Comittee of Public Safety. Robespierre, the leader of the Comitte was arrested and executed. -
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power
2 years after Napoleon assumed the position of First Consul, he had obtained enough power to become the emperor of France. Napoleon was strongly supported by the French people throughout many of his decisions. At each stange, he held a plebesite. -
Napoleon is defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo
Many of the countries which had allied against France jointed together and met in Waterloo. In one day of battle, Napoleon was defeated. He was then sent into exile and never returned.
