-
Meeting of the Estates General
Louis had almost no money left and he to fix the problem he was going to tax the nobles. The Second Estate forced Louis to call a meeting in which representatives from all estates will approve and discuss his new tax. This meeting was in Versailles. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly. After a long debate they finally voted to establish the National Assembly that lead to the Tennis Court Oath. The Third Estate delegates were locked up and could not enter their meeting. They broke down to an indoor tennis court and pledged to stay until a new constitution had been drawn up. This is what was called the Tennis Court Oath. -
Storming of the Bastille
Rumors spread easily in Paris. The people started to prepare and gather weapons to defend the city against attack. A crowd of people stormed the Bastille and seized control over the building. The fall of the bastille turned out into a great symbolic act of revolution to the people in France. -
Feudalism Ends
Nobleman started to declare their love for liberty and equality. They joined other members of the National Assembly to get rid of the feudal privilages of the First and Second Estate. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The National Assembly adopted a statement of revolutionary ideals, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document guaranteed equal justice for citizens, and freedom of speench and religion. Revolutioanry Leaders adopted the expression "Liberty, Equality, Faternity." -
Bread Riots
The peasants were concerned with the food issue. They had no bread and most workers spent half their income on bread. When Marie Antoinette found out she said "Let them eat cake." This became a very famous quote. -
Assembly Reforms France
The effort to make the Church a part of the state offended the peasants even though it came from Enlightenment philosophy. The peasants belived that the pope should rule over a church indeoendent of the state. From this point on, many peasants opposed to the assembly's reforms. -
Royal Family Attempts to Flee
As the National Assembly restructured the relationship between church and state, Louis tried to escape. The royal famili tried to escape from France after they were warned they were in danger. However, they were returned to Paris. This increased the influence of Louis's radical enemies in the government and sealed his life. -
Legislative Assembly Declares War on Austria and Russia
Monarchs and nobles watched the changes being taking place in France with alarm. They feared that similar revolts might break out in their own countries. Austria and Russia urged the French ot restore Louis to his position as an absolute monarch. As a result the Legislative Assembly declared war. -
Abolished the Monarchy
The Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution of 1791. It declared the king deposed, dissolved the assembly, and called the election for the new legislature, The National Convention, the new governing body, took office in Septemeber 21. This quickly abolished the monarchy and France was declared a republic.
