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Meeting of the Estates-General
F.R. Major EventsIn order to solve the country's finacial problems, the three estates were called into a meeting by the king. The two priveleged Estates though they could easily outvote the third Estate, but this was not the case. The Third Estate was backed by the King. This meeting resulted in the Third Estate breaking off forming the National Assembly. This was important becasue the King had more authority now. -
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French Revolution
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Fall of the Bastille
French Revolution Major EventsAfter the National Assembly was formed, rumors flew that the King was going to use force to dismiss it. In retliation, the citizens swarmed the Bastille, and overwhelmed the guard. This is important because it was the first act of violence in hopes of change. -
March on Versailles
List of Ten Major Events of the French Revolution The people of France, mostly women, were starving and poor. Convinced the Royalty had all the money, they stormed the Palace, demanding bread and the King's agreeing to live amongst the people. This was important because the people were acting with violence now. This was violence aimed at the Royal family. -
Flight to Varennes
French Revolution 10 Facts King Louis XIV and his queen felt endangered by the people of France. They decided to leave France and seek refuge in Austria, were the Queen was from. THey were caught a few miles of the border before being recognized in the town of Varennes and forced to go back. This was important to the Revolution becasue it showed the King was no longer loyal to the Natinal Assembly. -
Dissolution of the National Assembly
French Revolution Major Events In September, the National Assembly completed a new constitution for France. From this constitution, France was proclaimed a constitutional monarchy. The National Assembly was dissolved and replaced by the Legislative Assembly.This was important beause France was no longer an absolute monarchy. -
War with Austria
French Major EventsThe issue of war was the hottest topic in the Legislative Assembly. Revolutionary France was viewed both woth fear and anger by other European monarchies, especially by the Ausrian monarchy. In France, support for war was growing as well. On April 20, 1792, France declared war on Austria.This was important because France was now at war. -
Attack on the Tuileries Palace
F.R. Major EventsIn spring and summer of 1792, the French government found itself in a very difficult situation. The Austrian army and its Prussian allies started advancing into the French territory. On August 10, about 20,000 people attacked the Palace. The King and Queen fled and placed themselves under the protection of the Assembly.Fearing further violence, the Assembly arrested the King and Queen. This was important to the Revolution because the King and Queen were now under the Assembly's power. -
Declaration of the Republic and the Trial of Louis
F.R. Major EventsFollowing the arrests of the King and Queen, the National Assembly disbanded and replaced itself with the National Convention.Meanwhile, Louis was charged with treason. He was of course found guilty. On January 21, 1793, Louis was beheaded. Marie Antoinette had a short trial after, and was found guilty as well. She was executed a short while after. This was important to the Revolution because the rulers of France were dead; there was no longer a reason to fight. -
Reign of Terror
The new National Convention was dominated by the Committee of Public Safety. One man in particular was Maximilien Robespierre, who made himself leader of the so-called Reign of Terror. Robespierre believed that enemies of the Revolution should be killed.From September 1793 to July 1794, an estimated 16,000 people were guillotined. On July 27, 1794, Robespierre was arrested. He was guillotined the following day.This was important to the Revolution because the country was once again in turmoil. -
Directory and the Rise of Napoleon
After the fall of Robespierre, the National Convection created a new constitution for France.The Directory lead the new government. Almost ammediately from the start, the Directory was riddled in corruption,political conflict, financial problems and depended on the army to remain in power. In 1799, a successful military commander named Napoleon Bonaparte ousted the Directory. He established what he called the Consulate and himself as the First Consul.
