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King Louis Summons the Estates-General
After years of frivolous spending by King Louis XVI and his wife, the King and his country were in serious debt. Louis decided to call on the Estates-General to get him out of trouble; before things got to out of hand. This was the first time a King had called on the Estates-General in over a hundred years. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate had become more educated and knew that they were being treated unfairly. They wanted the right to vote and when the First and Second Estate said no to this, the Third Estate created the National Assembly. After they form the National Assembly they swear to the Tennis Court Oath, publically opposing the King. -
Storming the Bastille
The people of Paris decided enough was enough and took up arms to storm the Bastille. The Bastille was not only attacked because it was believed to hold weapons and military supplies but also because of what it represented. The Bastille was not just a military fortress and prison but a symbol of tyranny and a government that would not listen. The people won and took over the Bastille. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was France's new constitution. It gave the people of France more freesoms than they had ever had before. It limited the King's power and made life for the poor much more fair and equal. -
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was the end of the First Estates special benefits. The Clergy's land was sold off to peasants and common people. Church officials were no longer born into their roles but had to be elected by the people. The new Constitution of the Clergy eradicated all of the the First and Second Estate's unfair privileges. -
King Louis the XVI is Executed
After being put on trial for treason, Louis and his wife are found guilty and sentenced to death. Louis was beheaded by a guillotine on January 21, 1793. His death was a symbol to the people that the monarchy had finally been abolished for good. -
Robespierre is Executed
Robespierre was one of the most influential people during the Reign of Terror. He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people and the mastermind behind the Reign of Terror. After months of violence and killing, the man behind it all was arrested and executed without trial on July 28th, 1794.
