-
Period: to
The French Revolution
The Events of the French Revolution -
The Creation of the National Assembly
After Louis attempted to impose taxes on the nobles to deal with debt, the Second Estate held the Estates-General meeting, representatives from all three estates coming to approve this tax. Each state voted in May, and Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyes spoke up about creating the National Assembly in order to pass laws/reforms. In June, delegates of the Third Estate voted to create it and won. This formation is the first deliberate act of revolution.
Ch. 23, 1.2-1.3. Image: https://www.historycrunch.com/. -
Bastille Day
Rumors about Louis using military force to dismiss the National Assembly arose. The people believed that foreign troops were coming to kill the Parisians. As a result, a mob formed and stormed the prison of Bastille, killing guards and paraded around with their heads on pikes. This is one of the first radical outbursts performed by the people, taking direct, violent action against the system, a symbolic act of revolution.
Ch. 23, 1.3. Image: https://www.bl.uk/britishlibrary/. -
The Great Fear: Women's March on Versailles
Parisian women rioted over the bread price rising, many people falling victim to starvation. They marched to Versailles with weapons and demanded that the National Assembly provide bread, before turning their attention to the king and queen, killing guards and demanding that the royals return to Paris. Louis and Marie accepted. This event was a change in power, signaling change towards radical reforms.
Ch 23, 1.4. Image: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ -
Creation of Constitutional Monarchy and Legislative Assembly
In August 1789, nobles had proclaimed their love for liberty and equality. They joined the National Assembly in fear, ridding of First/Second Estate privileges. In September 1791, a new constitution was approved and a new monarchy and legislative body created. These events marked the death of the Old Regime and transition into newfound power for the Third Estate, able to now make laws and declare war.
Ch 23, 2.1-2.2. Image: http://frenchrevolutionperiod3group6.weebly.com/ -
Legislative Assembly Dissolved and Introduction of the Jacobins
After Prussia threatened to attack the Parisians if the people harmed the royal family, the Parisians imprisoned Louis, Marie, and their family in August. People took control of the city, performing raids and murders. The Legislative Assembly dissolved, dethroned Louis, and allowed the Jacobin Club to take over. This marked a new legislature, France now existing under a republic.
Ch. 23, 2.3. Image: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/44/f1/6944f18baf300356988e56d9244a37f4.jpg. -
Reign of Terror
Louis was tried for treason by the Jacobins, found guilty, and beheaded by guillotine in January. Jacobin leader Robespierre became the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, virtually becoming a dictator. To protect the Committee from "enemies", they tried and beheaded many, claiming it was the ideas of revolution and connected virtue with terror. This marked the Reign of Terror, radicalism truly taking over France.
Ch. 23, 2.4. Image: https://cdn.britannica.com/ -
National Convention
After Robespierre was overthrown and executed in July 1794, the National Convention was formed. In November 1795, power was returned to the upper class, two legislative houses made, as well as an executive body of five men known as the Directory. They went on to appoint Napoleon against Austria and Sardinia, crossing the Alps into Italy. This marked a time of order, military victory, and a new hero to France.
Ch. 23, 3.1. Image: https://www.historycrunch.com/uploads/4/1/1/6/41169839/28_orig.jpg -
Period: to
The Aftermath
The following reigns and systematic shifts of the Revolution. -
Napoleon Seizes Power
The Directory loses control and confidence of the people. Napoleon's troops surrounded the legislature and drove them out. He seized power, creating a group of three consuls, Napoleon deemed the first and essentially dictator. He went on to sign peace treaties with Britain, Austria, and Russia. This marks the beginning of Napoleon's initially successful reign and order and success for the Revolution.
Ch. 23, 3.1. Image: https://spectator.imgix.net/content/uploads/2013/12/Napoleon.jpg -
Napoleon is Made Emperor
After setting up efficient tax and banking systems, ridding of corrupt officials, and creating the Napoleonic Code, Napoleon made himself emperor. Dressed in robes, he walked down Notre Dame. As the pope was about to put the crown on his head, he took it to place on his own head. This represented the power of the Church and State being separated, Napoleon establishing himself as more powerful since the Church typically crowned rulers.
Ch. 23, 3.2. Image: https://www.mrallsophistory.com/ -
Napoleon Surrenders
In 1812, Napoleon led many victories, owning a majority of European territories and holding many treaties. He faced errors in the Continental System, Peninsular War, and Invasion of Russia, countries soon banding against him in a time of weakness. Napoleon's generals refused to fight and he was forced to surrender in 1814. Metternich brought Louis XVIII to the throne, marking the restoration of balance of power and royal blood to the throne.
Ch. 23, 4.1-5.1. Image: blog.catherinedelors.com
