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Deficit Spending by the Government and Economic Reform
During King Louis XVI rule, France aquired a great amount of debt. King Louis XVI pursued pleasure before business, running up debts. So, he highered Jacques Necker, a finiancail expert, as an advisor. Necker helped to economically reform the government. -
Women March on Versailles
6,000 women marched 13 miles to Verailles shouting "bread". They would not leave until the King agreed to move back to Paris. And so the King did, without much of a choice. -
Louis XVI Calls the Estates General
Louis had all three estates write down their grievances. Many called for fair taxes, freedom of the press or regular Estates-General meetings. -
Parisians Storm the Bastille
More than 800 parisians assembled ready to attack the Bastille, a medieval fortress used as a prison for political and other prisoners. The commander of the Bastille opened fire on the crowd. The crowd eventually broke through the defenses, killing five guards and the comander and released many prisoners. They didn't find te weapons they were looking for though. The Bastille was a symbol of horror. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
In late August, the assembly issued a Declaration of the Rights of Man. It proclaimed that all male citizens were before the law. "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was the symbol of the French Revolution. Taxes were also levied according to the ability to pay. -
The Church is Placed Under State Control
The National Assembly put the Catholic Church under state control. The reaction was swift and angry. Many Fench peasents also rejected the changes. -
Constitution of 1791 Establishes New Government
Set up a limited monarchy to replace the existing absolute monarchy which has been in use for centuries. Lawmakers would be elected by tax-paying male citizens over age 25. The Constitution of 1791 seemed to complete the revolution. -
Threats From Abroad
In 1791 the king of Prussia and emperor of Austria issued the Declaration oh Philnitz. in the document, the two monarchs threatended to intervene to to protect the French monarchy. The threat was mostly a bluff but some took it seriously and prepared for war. -
Radicals Declare War
Many crisises were abroad. There were food shortages and rising prices. San-culottes, which means without breeches, made the revolution more radical. THe moderates and political officials who wanted no more reforms at all. -
Monarchy is Abolished
As the revolution continued, new about the war made tensions, which lead to more violence. Well trained Prussian forces wre cutting down French recruits. Royal officers were also deserting the French Army. -
Spread of Nationalsim
Nationalism is the feeling of pride or devotion to one's country, Nationalism spread throughout France. A variety of Dancesand themes of the revolution became very popular. -
Robespierre and the Reign of Terror.
1793-1974 was known as the reign of terror. Robespierre was at the center of all this terror. He believed France could have a "republic of virtue" but only through the use of terror. He said, "Liberty cannot be secured unless criminals lose their heads". -
Third Stage of the Revolution
The Constitutuion of 1795, is the third one since 1789. It set up a five-man directory and two-house legistlature which was elected by male citizens of property. The directory held power from 1795-1799. Politician then turned to Napolean Bonaparte to help then advance their own goals. However, soon, Napolean became the ruler of France.
