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The Tennis Court Oath
Delegates to the estates general from the third estate were elected. The delegates were mostly lawyers, middle class officials, and writers. They went to Versailles not only to solve the financial crisis but also to insist on reform. -
The Storming of the Bastille
More than 800 Parisians assembled outside the Bastille, used as a prison. The Bastille represented the people of France and the years of abuse by the monarchy. -
The National Assembly Acts
Storming of the Bastille and peasants uprisings stampeded the National Assembly into action. On August 4th in an all night meeting the nobles in the National Assembly voted to end their own privileges. Also agreed to give up their special legal status, exemption from taxes, hunting rights, and their old manorial dues. -
The Monarchy is Abolished
As the revolution continuted news of war was getting larger. Prussian forces were cutting down raw French recuits. Also the royalist officers were to leave the french army and restore the king's power. -
Rebespierre and the Reign of Terror
Robespierre a lawyer and politican quickly rose to leadership of the committee. He promoted religious toleration and wanted to abolish slavery. The reign of terror was revolutionary courts that conducted hasty trials and greeted deaths. -
Spread of Nationalism
The revolution and war gave the French people a strong sense of national identity. Nationalism gave a strong feeling of pride in and devotion to our country throughout France. -
The Third Stage of the Revolution & Napoleon's Rise to Power
Napoleon helped overthrow the weak directory and set up a three-man governing board known as the Consulate. He would control prices, encourage new industry, and build new roads and canals.
