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Separation of Wealth in France
In the 1770s, the Old Regime was how people were separated socially and economically. About 3 percent of the population owned about 30 percent of the land. The lower 97 percent lived in poverty and had to pay the nobility taxes for common necessities. Even though the smallest group had more money than most others combined, they still forced those in poverty to pay taxes and provide poorly paid labour. -
Estates-General
The Estates-General was a meeting of representatives from the three estates. The meetings purpose was to vote on whether or not to impose a tax on the nobility to offset the country's financial deficit. In previous meeting, the upper classes had dominated the votes. This is similar to how congress represents the individual states. -
Storming the Bastille
Bastille Day marks the day when citizens of Paris stormed a prison for gunpowder and ammunition. There was many rumours that the king was sending troops to kill civilians. This July 14, 1789 is marked as the beginning of the French Revolution. It is celebrated similar to the Fourth of July. -
National Assembly's Reforms
Noblemen in the assembly spoke of being for liberty and freedom and swept away many of the privileges of the upper classes. Soon after they wrote "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" outlining many ideals of the Declaration of Independence. They also made it so the state had more control over the Church and the profits they made. Many of the changes they made were similar to those made after the Revolutionary War. -
Beginning of War in France
When countries such as Prussia and Austria attempted to get Louis XVI back in power the Assembly declared war in April, 1792. In August, the people of Paris killed the royal guard and imprisoned Louis XVI and his family. Several days in September were spent raiding prisons and murdering nobles, priests, and royalist sympathizers out of fear that they'd escape and help royal forces. A lot of what happened in this year was due to paranoia and rumours, rather than facts about what was going on. -
The Execution of King Louis XVI
By 1793, the former king had been reduced to nothing more than a common citizen and prisoner. The National Convention put him on trial for treason and a close vote sentenced him to death. On January 21, he walked calmly to the steps of the guillotine to meet his demise. This was an important mark towards the end of absolute monarchies. -
Napoleon's Rise to Power
In October 1795, Napoleon was sent to defend the National Convention from royalist rebels. When he succeeded he was hailed a hero in Paris. He later went to Egypt and upon his return he was urged to take power in France. He staged a coup d'état and effectively became the new leader of France. His rise to leadership was indicative of his need for power. -
Restoring Order in France
Napoleon, being the newly constitutionally voted leader, started to enhance many of the reforms brought during the Revolution. He worked to improve the economy, dismiss corrupt officials, and set up public schools. He also helped the Church to regain its power by recognizing its influence, but not allowing it to interfere with national affairs. Napoleon made life in France a lot better for those in middle and lower classes. -
Napoleon Conquers More Territories
Napoleon decided to try and retake territories in Africa that had erupted into a civil war. He did this to restore the sugar industry there. However, his forces were stricken with disease and forced to retreat. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
In 1804 Napoleon decided he wanted to crown himself emperor, and the people of France supported him. He was crowned in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris by the pope. He took the crown from the pope and put it on his own head to signify he was more powerful than the Church. One can see from this how much of an ego Napoleon had.
