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Estates-General convenes
The first meeting of the Estates-General was on May 5th, 1789. During a time of great worry, from rising flour prices to riots on taxes, all due to Frances bankruptcy. The Estates-General was in a deadlock from the start. -
Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly
The Third Estate after countless efforts to change things in France, frustrated with the unfair governmental system, they formed the National Assembly. Its job was to -
Storming of the Bastille
After unsettlement with unfair representation, angry at the government, the people took there anger out on the Bastille. People needed gunpowder and the Bastille was full of it. They overtook the Bastille quickly. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen issued
It was modeled after the Declaration of Independence. It declared that all men were born and remain equal in rights. That they should enjoy natural rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It proclaimed freedom of religion and taxes based on ability to pay. -
Louis XVI executed
King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason in a case many had already had a preconceived idea about. The case however was held and the king was found guilty. Many contemplated the punishment however. The final desicion was death and so came the end to Louis XVI. -
Maximilien Robespierre assumes leadership of the Committee of Public Safety
The Committee of Public Safety was created to deal with the threats to France. Robespierre seen as the leader of the revoulution the "incorruptable" was chosen to lead the 12 man committee. -
Robespierre is guillotined
Robespierre soon fell to the same blade he sentenced many to. A failed suicide attempt was followed up with his sentence to the guillotine. Without trial he was sentenced and was also forced to go face up and watch the blade come down on him. -
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power
Napoleon, a hero to the French, took control of France easily. He overthrew the directory and took charge. Though he technically didn't have all the power he almost did for the people looked to him for decisions, for wisdom, to lead France. -
Napoleon is defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo
This was a horrible defeat for Napoleon. It was his last battle. The French lost many men while the British and the Prussians suffered few. Here the French lost, Napoleon was captured and exiled to Saint Helena where he died.
