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Debt
French Revolution The French government went into deep debt. This was because of King Louis XIV spending a lot of money. He eventually spent so much money that the bank refused to lend the government more. This caused the lower class to have more taxes imposed on them, whereas the nobles were exmpt from taxes. Not enough money was gained from the taxes, and people became upset because of the unfair tax system. -
The National Assembly
National AssemblyThe National Assembly was made up of members from all three estates. They wanted to abolish absolute monarchy in France so that the form of government represented all people. Then, King Louis XVI tried to step in because he did not want to lose power, but most French citizens felt that he not helping the nation. This is important because it led to disapproval of Louis' actions, and made many realize that the monarchy was not an effective form of government. -
Women take Action
Women's MarchWomen in France became upset over the rising cost of bread and felt they needed to act to try and get the king to give out some food. A march to the Palace of Versailles was started and made up of mostly women. The result of their protest drove Louis out of the palace for what would be his last stay there. This sginifies that even the women, who are usually seen as tolerant and peaceful, were frustrated enough to express their opinions angerly, as it led to the killings of some guards. -
The King is Caught
Louis XIV BiographyKing Louis XIV along with his family, are caught trying to escape France. Their plan was to go to Austria, where his wife is from, but they were caught outside of Germany. The king did not want to face the consequences of being king and felt it was a better idea to try and run from them. I believe this is a turning point in the revolution because the king realizes that he is going to have to pay the price for leadinghis country to this point in history. -
New Constitution
Timeline of French RevolutionA new constitution is introduced that limits the power of the king, mostly dissolving absolute monarchy in France. Another reason behind the creation of this was to protect freedom and equality throughout the nation. The constitution also created a Legislative Assembly, although the king still had some power. Overall, this signifies the power changing hands from the king to the people of France. -
Louis Signs On
Timeline of French RevolutionKing Louis first accepts the new constitution,and agrees to sign it the following day. On the 14th, he proceeds to sign and agree with it in front of the National Assembly. He likely did this unwillingly because he would not want to limit his authority, which the constitution did. This is a major event of the revolution because it is when the king finally gives in to his citizens, and agrees to do what is best for the nation. -
The Invasion of the Tuileries
Source: History eBook
The people in Paris were frustrated with the Prussians' threats to destroy Paris if anything was done to the king, so they took matters into their own hands. Mobs of people began to invade the Tuileries. They killed guards and other servants while looking for the king and his family, and when they were found, they were imprisoned. This proves that the French citizens were willing to do whatever was necesary to have a government that ruled the country for the rights of all. -
The National Convention
Source: History eBook
The Legislative Assembly put aside the constitution so that they would be able to rid the government of a king. The set up an election for a new legislature, to be called the National Convention. This group then went on to get rid of the monarchy and declare France as a republic. This is the major change during the revolution as the country went from an absolute monarchy to people having the right to vote. -
The King's Execution
King Louis XVI Executed
The new National Convention tries Louis for treason and he is found guilty. The assembly sentenced him to the death penalty with a very close vote. He was then execute by the guillotine, and his wife follows him a few months later. I believe this represents the absolute end to the monarchy in France, as it is the last king France ever had being executed. -
Another Execution
Robespierre OverthrownRobespierre is executed by use of the guillotine after he is overthrown by the National Convention. This comes only after he has executed many other people, without a valid reason except that they were against the revolution. He later escaped his arrest and attempted suicide, but it failed. He later was caught again and finally executed along with some of his followers. This signifies not only the end of the Reign of Terror, but also the end of the revolution.
