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The French economy declines, affecting the working classes.
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What occurred during the French Revolution?
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The Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly due to limited power.
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Due to the declining economy, king Louis XVI orders a meeting of the Estates-General, which includes all of the Estates.
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French subjects, having their meeting prevented by mercenary soldiers, free seven prisoners and raid weapons from the Bastille prison.
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Many Parisian women, furious over the rising price of bread, raided Versailles, the royal palace, armed and ask the government to provide bread.
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The increasing power of Maximilien Robespierre allows him to attempt to erase elements of France's past. He made a new calendar and closed all churches in Paris. He became a dictator, executing approximately 40,000 people.
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Some members of the National Assembly decided to assassinate Robespierre. Robespierre was tried and executed.
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Napoleon Bonaparte, skilled at firearms, assumes the power of a dictator. He won military victories early in his reign.
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Boanparte, having been defeated by other Europeans, was exhiled to an island near southern Italy, Elba. He spent a year there, and eventually escaped.
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The brother of Louis XVI, crowned Louis XVIII, assumes power over France. He was very unpopular.
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Some European rulers gather in Vienna to restore monarchy for eight months. They decide co-operatively to restore hereditary monarchy to their nations and maintain the monarchial governments. They also plan to help one another when at war.