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King Louis XVI's death
In 1715, the National Convention had felt that the king had driven France down the wrong road, and it would be best to execute him for his actions. This event was important because after his death, the nobles had regained their political power. Many of the nobles had become judges which gave them power in court. -
The Economic Crisis
During this time period the population had increased severely, and economic activity had slowed almost to a stop. There was poor harvest, and limited expansion of trade throughout France. Another side effect of the horrible economy was that entrepreneurs could not set up businesses. -
The Constitution of 1791
The National Assembly had given France their first constitution in 1791. The constitution had limited the monarchy's power, and the king could veto the laws, but the legislature could veto the king's veto. The last thing that the constitution did, was give equal rights to all citizens who are under the law. -
The Revolutionary Takeover
During the revolutionary takeover of Paris, revolutionary troops had attacked the place where the king and his family had lived. The troops had killed many of the kings guards, but the king and queen were able to run to the Legislative Assembly for protection. Unfortunately, the king was voted out of office, and they imprisoned the royal family. -
The Reign of Terror
During the Reign of Terror, trials were held everyday throughout all of France. almost 40,00 people including men, women, and children were condemned to death. These trials in the end had paid off, but the National Convention had ordered for Robespierre to be put to death. -
Napoleon's Domestic Policy
During Napoleon's reign, he had taken total control over the citizens. He had made himself the First Consul for life, and two years later he was proclaimed as the "Emperor of France". But, by 1815, Napoleon had fell and was exiled from the position of the King of France. -
Greek Independence
In 1821, the Greek nationalists had rebelled against Turkish rulers. Metternich had trie to stop the rebellion, but in 1829, the Ottoman Empire was forced to realize that the Greeks had become independent. -
The First Elections Under the New Constitution
During the first election under the new constitution, the majority of the voters had chosen Louis Napoleon. As the first president, he had promised to try to please everyone. After setting up a virtual dictatorship, he assumed his title as Napoleon III, Emperor of France. -
Uprisings in Italy
In January of 1848, revolutionaries had overthrown their king in Sicily. Also, other Italian states had been forcing their ruler to grant liberal constitutions. -
The Attempt to Unify Germany
In 1849, parliament had issued the German states with a constitution. In the constitution, it made sure individuals would give up many of their rights to the central government. In the end, the delegates had offered the crown to Fredrick William IV so he could rule over the newly united Germany.