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Meeting of The Estates General
The Second Estate forced to call a meeting of the Estates-General— an assembly of representatives from all three estates—to approve this new tax. The meeting, the first in 175 years, was held on May 5, 1789, at Versailles. -
The Voting
On June 17, 1789, they voted to establish the National Assembly, in effect proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This vote was the first deliberate act of revolution. -
Bastille and Paris Prison
On June 17, 1789, they voted to establish the National Assembly, in effect proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This vote was the first deliberate act of revolution. -
National Constituent Assembly
National Constituent Assembly abolished feudalism. In the course of a few hours, nobles, clergy, towns, provinces, companies and cities lost their special privileges. -
Declaration of Rights of Men
Assembly published the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which comprised a statement of principles rather than a constitution with legal effect. The National Constituent Assembly functioned not only as a legislature, but also as a body to draft a new constitution. -
Fight For Women
October 1789 crowds of women began to assemble at Parisian markets. The women first marched to the Hotel de Ville, demanding that city officials address their concerns. The women were responding to the harsh economic situations they faced, especially bread shortages. -
Civil Constitution
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, passed on 12 July 1790, turned the remaining clergy into employees of the state. -
Royal Family Runs
On the night of 20 June 1791, the royal family fled the Tuileries Palace dressed as servants, while their servants dressed as nobles. -
King Hosts Assembly
The King addressed the Assembly and received enthusiastic applause from members and spectators. With this capstone, the National Constituent Assembly adjourned in a final session on 30 September 1791. -
French Declare War
The French declared war against Austria and Prussia because they demanded France to give back King louis’ powers and return to an absolute monarchy. -
The Convention
The Convention, elected by universal male suffrage and charged with writing a new constitution, met on 20 September 1792 and became the new de facto government of France. The next day it abolished the monarchy and declared a republic.
