Enlightenment and French Revolution

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    Reign of Terror

    The Reign of Terror, from September 1793 to July 1794, is important because it represented a period of extreme political violence and repression during the French Revolution, leading to the execution of thousands and highlighting the dangers of radicalism.
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man

    The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted in August 1789, is important because it established fundamental human rights and laid the groundwork for modern democracy in France.
  • Storming of the Bastille

    The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is important because it marked the symbolic start of the French Revolution and a rebellion against royal authority.
  • Women's March on Versailles

    The Women's March on Versailles in October 1789 is important because it forced King Louis XVI and his family to move to Paris, demonstrating the power of the people and women's pivotal role in the revolution.
  • May 5, 1789 meeting with the Estates-General

    The meeting of the Estates-General on May 5, 1789, was crucial because it highlighted the deep discontent among the Third Estate, which represented the common people. This event led to the formation of the National Assembly, challenging the monarchy and sparking the French Revolution.
  • Tennis Court Oath

    The Tennis Court Oath, made on June 20, 1789, was important because the Third Estate promised to stay united until they created a new constitution. This showed their determination to challenge the monarchy and sparked the French Revolution.
  • Execution of King Louis XVI

    The execution of King Louis XVI on January 21, 1793, is important because it marked the end of the monarchy in France and solidified the revolutionary shift towards a republic.
  • Maximillian Robespierre's execution

    Maximilien Robespierre's execution on July 28, 1794, is important because it marked the end of the Reign of Terror and a shift away from radical policies, leading to a more moderate phase of the French Revolution.
  • Napoleon crowned himself emperor

    Napoleon crowned himself emperor in 1804, marking the rise of a powerful centralized rule in France.
  • The Napoleonic Code

    The Napoleonic Code, established in 1804, is important because it unified French laws and promoted legal equality, influencing legal systems globally.
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    The peninsular war

    The Peninsular War (1808-1814) was important because it drained French resources and troops, weakening Napoleon's empire and contributing to his eventual downfall.
  • Napoleon and his men march on Russia

    Napoleon marched on Russia in 1812, aiming to enforce his Continental System, but faced devastating losses due to harsh weather and guerrilla tactics.
  • Napoleon is exiled to Elba

    Napoleon was exiled to Elba in 1814 after his defeat, marking the end of his first rule in France.
  • Napoleon dies

    Napoleon's death on May 5, 1821, is important because it marked the end of an era in European history, concluding his influence on politics and military strategy.