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The First Estates General Meeting
A meeting of the Estates-General is called by King Louis XVI of France, in response to the nation’s financial problems, In order to discuss the increase of taxes. -
The Third-Estate declared itself a National Assembly
The Third-Estate declared itself a National Assembly after feeling oppressed by the King as though the Third-Estate represented the vast majority of France it could be outvoted by the First and Second Estates. Members of the other Estates joined the Third-Estate, now the National Assembly and began working toward social reform. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The meeting of the Estates-General resulted in a protest by the Third-Estate along with other members of the First and Second Estates. They did this because the Third Estate represented the majority of the French people but could easily be outvoted by the nobles and the clergy. King Louis XVI in response to the protests locked the hall were the meetings were held. -
The Storming of the Bastille
After the creation of the National Assembly, a crowd of the people of France attacked the French prison, Bastille. The Bastille was thought to be a symbol of oppression because it was believed to hold prisoners sent there without trial and kept in poor, inhumane conditions. The Bastille was also thought to hold arms and ammunition for the use of those loyal to the King. The people of France took down the Bastille brick by brick. -
The French National Assembly met at Versailles
The French National Assembly met at Versailles passing many reforms and abolished many feudal rights, working to create a more efficient rural economy and create equality. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
A document created by the French National Assembly is approved, outlining the rights of the people of France. -
The March on Versailles
Also known as the “October Days,” was an event that began in response to the fear of bread shortages in France and belief that the nobility were living to well, while the people of France were suffering. Women led a march to Versailles to protest against high food prices, arriving and storming the Kings palace. The women returned to Paris with sacks of flour and food as well as the royal family to be placed in Tuileries Palace in Paris. The March on Versailles was a significant event of becau -
The Death of Mirabeau
The Death of Mirabeau, an elected member of the Assembly and forefront of the Revolution, marked a transition from the conservative nature of the Revolution to a more radical and harsh movement for reform. -
Royal Family Tries to Flee France
Arrangements were made for the Royal family to flee France, however they were caught and arrested at Varennes. -
The New Legislative Assembly Met for the First Time
The new Legislative Assembly met for the first time, after the National Assembly dissolved. -
The Legislative Assembly Surrenders to the Insurrectionary Commune
The Legislative Assembly surrenders to the Insurrectionary Commune, voting to end the monarchy and depose King Louis XVI. -
The September Massacre Began
Following the growing power of the radical Jacobin Club the September Massacres began. The September Massacres were a series of attacks on prisons in Paris lasting 5 days after beginning September 2nd, 1792. A mob of French individuals killed over 1,200 people in harsh and aggressive manners. The September Massacres was one of the most infamous events of the French Revolution as it was the beginning of the extremism and anger that fueled the Revolution. -
The Legislative Assembly Dissolved
The Legislative Assembly dissolved after creating a constitution and a new legislative body, the Convention was formed. -
The first day of the French Republic,
The first day of the French Republic, following the abolition of the French monarchy by the Legislative Convention. -
The Execution of King Louis XVI of France
The execution of King Louis XVI of France is held as he is decapitated by the guillotine publically. -
The Execution of Queen Marie Antoinette
The execution of Queen Marie Antoinette is held, after she is found guilty of treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal. -
Peak of the Reign of Terror
Revolutionary leaders began using violence which became known as “The Terror” in order to eliminate the enemies of the Revolution. A tribunal was formed in order to provide trial for individuals thought to be against the revolution. While at its peak from June 10, 1794 to July 27, 1794, 1,376 people were executed by the Guillotine. In total the “Terror” claimed the lives of approximately 40 000. -
Execution of Maxamillien Ropespierre
Maximilien de Robespierre is sent to the guillotine and executed, following a trial of treason against the Revolution the previous day. After telling of a list of opposers to the revolution but not delivering any names, much suspicion arose about Robespierre as many revolutionaries believied that he could be on it and so he was arrested and tried. The execution of Robespierre was a key event of the French Revolution as it marked the end of the Reign of Terror. -
The Germinal-Prairal Uprisings Began
The Germinal-Prairal uprisings began as the people of France rebelled against the extremism of the Revolution executing many of the Jacobin radicals and creating a more conservative government, the Directory. -
Napoleon Bonaparte took power over France
Napoleon Bonaparte, took power over France by the Coup d’etat. Napoleon established the Napoleonic Code and began a series of Revolutionary wars.
