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BEGINNING OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
King Louis XVI called together the Estates General, an assembly that represented France’s three social classes: clergy, nobility, and commoners. The commoners, known as the Third Estate, quickly separated to form the National Assembly, which initiated significant revolutionary changes. -
STORMING OF THE BASTILLE
A pivotal moment at the onset of the French Revolution. The citizens of Paris attacked the Bastille, a fortress and prison that represented the oppression of the monarchy. This event signified the downfall of royal power and became a strong emblem of liberty in France. -
DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN AND THE CITIZEN
A crucial document of the French Revolution that asserted the rights of all individuals, including liberty, property, security, and the right to resist oppression. It was significantly shaped by Enlightenment principles. -
DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN AND THE CITIZEN
Authored by Olympe de Gouges, this document advocated for women's rights, paralleling the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen while promoting gender equality. Unfortunately, it received little attention at the time. -
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THE TERROR
A tumultuous and violent phase of the French Revolution led by the Jacobins and Maximilien Robespierre. Thousands, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, faced execution by guillotine. The Reign of Terror concluded with the execution of Robespierre himself. -
EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVI
During the Reign of Terror, King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason by the National Convention and executed by guillotine in Place de la Révolution (now known as Place de la Concorde). His execution represented the demise of the monarchy and a significant shift towards a republic. -
COUP D’ÉTAT OF THERMIDOR
The removal of Robespierre marked the end of the Reign of Terror. Moderate leaders took charge, leading to the formation of The Directory government. -
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THE DIRECTORY
A five-member governing body created after Robespierre's downfall. It was characterized by weakness and corruption, setting the stage for Napoleon’s coup in 1799. -
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THE CONSULATE
After the Coup of Brumaire in 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte toppled the Directory and set up the Consulate, appointing himself as First Consul. This event signified the conclusion of the French Revolution and the start of his reign. He consolidated power, brought stability to France, and implemented various reforms, including the Napoleonic Code. In 1804, he proclaimed himself Emperor, thus ending the Consulate. -
COUP D’ÉTAT OF BRUMAIRE
Napoleon Bonaparte took control, overthrowing The Directory and establishing The Consulate, where he served as First Consul, signaling the start of his ascent to Emperor. -
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THE EMPIRE
In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French, bringing the Consulate to an end and initiating the First French Empire. His reign was characterized by military campaigns throughout Europe, legal reforms such as the Napoleonic Code, and efforts to modernize the nation. However, after enduring several wars and defeats, his power began to wane. -
BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ
Known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, this was Napoleon’s most significant military triumph. He decisively defeated the Russian and Austrian forces, establishing French supremacy in Europe. The battle highlighted his strategic brilliance and resulted in the Treaty of Pressburg, which diminished Austria's power. -
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EXILE IN ELBA
After his defeat in the War of the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon abdicated the throne and was sent into exile on Elba, a small island in the Mediterranean. However, in March 1815, he escaped, returned to France, and regained power for a brief period known as the Hundred Days before his ultimate defeat at Waterloo. -
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EXILE IN ST. HELENA
Following his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, a secluded island in the South Atlantic, under British control. He spent his remaining years there, writing memoirs and contemplating his legacy. -
BATTLE OF WATERLOO
This was Napoleon’s final significant battle. He confronted the Duke of Wellington’s British forces alongside the Prussian army led by Gebhard von Blücher. Despite some early successes, Napoleon was ultimately defeated. This battle marked the end of his reign and the final downfall of the Napoleonic Empire. -
DEATH OF NAPOLEON
Napoleon passed away in exile on St. Helena, likely due to stomach cancer, although some theories suggest he may have been poisoned. In 1840, his remains were transferred to Les Invalides in Paris, where his tomb continues to be a significant historical landmark.