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Estates General of 1789
Summoned by King Louis XVI, it was a general assembly reuniting the three states of the realm: the clergy, the nobility and the commoners. It ended when the former funded the National Assembly and were recognized by the King. -
The Storming of the Bastille
One of France's most symbolic events. This building was a penitentiary for political prisoners with, for Parisians, represented the monarchy's abuse of power. -
Introduction of "The Declarations of The Rights of Man and The Citizen"
Adopted by the National Assembly, this texts marked history while defending the revolutionary values : freedom, equality, security and resistance to oppression. -
First French written Constitution
After the defeat of the absolute monarchy, this Constitution was created to fulfill one of the main principles of the revolution : constitutionality. -
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First Republic
The first French Republic. This period was quite unstable, characterized by the fall of the monarchy, the creation of the National convention and the first attempt at democracy. -
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Reign of Terror
Period marked by the great quantity of public executions it saw, notably under the accusations of treason by the Committee of Public Safety. -
Louis the 16th's execution
He was accused of treason following the discovery of documents plotting against the National Assembly and the publication of a paper by an Austrian commander, threatening with the destruction of Paris if the safety of the royal family was ever put at risk. After multiple months in custody, he and his family were found guilty, leading to his execution at the Place de la Révolution. He was beheaded with a guillotine, instrument he had helped refining. -
Robespierre's execution
Maximilien Robespierre, maximum figure of the Reign of Terror was condamned for his responsibility on the radicalization of the Committee of Public Safety during this period. -
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Directory
Final four years of the Revolution. This period was heavily marked by it's financial and international relationship's crisis, while trying to mend the damages and politics left from the Reign of Terror. -
Coup of 18 Brumaire
Often considered the end date of the French Revolution, in this event marked the overgrown of the government leading to the installation of the French Consulate. -
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Consulate
Period where Napoleon Bonaparte established himself as the head of the state, and paved the entry of a more authoritarian and centralized republic. Previous to the First Empire, this could be considered a military dictatorship. -
Signature of the Concordat
In the sake of civil peace, Napoleon Bonaparte began negotiations with the Catholic Church highest authorities, religion banned from the country after the French Revolution. Catholicism was then recognized as the majoritarian religion and its cult centers were reopened, but with a considerable estatal influence. -
Napoleon was named "Consul for life" by the Senate
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Introduction of the Napoleonic Code
This civil code defined the bases of French society. It defends the equality between all male citizens, as well as fundamentals freedoms, like the freedom of contract and the protection of private property, to name some of it's content. This text was first introduced in the French territory, but soon became an influence for most Occidental countries's civil codes. -
Proclamation of the Empire
The Senate approves documents naming Napoleon as French Emperor, therefore transforming the government. -
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The Empire of Napoleon the First or First Empire
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French constitutional referendum
Plebiscite concerning the establishment of a French Empire, this referendum was officially approved by almost half of the voting population, with more than 99% of positive votes. -
The Coronation of Napoleon I
Opulent event, Napoleon held his and his wife Josephine's coronation in the presence of the Pope Pius VII, as a way to legitimate his governing. This was, he could gain prestige internationally and could grant the establishment of his dynasty. -
The "Continental" Blockade
This expression refers to the forbiddance of any English goods entering the territory imposed by Napoleon I, which concerned most of the European continent, under French domination. Him and his family had been seeing great expansion and domination success, but as Great Britain was their biggest menace, this was his way of weakening its economical growth. -
The Spanish Campaign (or Peninsula War)
Although Spain had been allies, Napoleon decided to install his brother, Joseph Bonaparte on the throne, under the excuse of worrying about the government stability. This was terribly received by its population, with begun uprising soon after. These conflicts were controlled by Napoleon, but after his departure for Paris and the exhaustion of his troops, the Spanish triumphed and regained their monarchy in June of 1809. European countries understood that France was not invencible anymore. -
The French Empire Peaks
It's highest territorial extension was reached in this year. -
The failure of the Russian invasion
After having declared war on April and some optimistic advances from the French military, the main antagonist from this conflict was the weather. The retreat began in October, but rumors of a coup d'état in Paris made the march urgent with lead to the loss of many lives, especially while crossing the swollen river of Berezina. Only 20 thousand soldiers came back. -
Louis XVIII was restored in the throne
After the abdication of Napoleon I, the provisory government decided to call for the next in line of their infamous monarchy, to take the country's lead. He would be King of France for the first time until March 20th, 1815. -
First abdication of Napoleon I
Losing the war agains the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon I signed his abdication without conditions, even though he first intended to leave the power to his son, Napoleon II. -
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The Restauration Era
Period designing the return of the House of Bourbon to the French monarchy, briefly interrupted by the Hundred Days War. It was characterized for being an extremely conservatory government, trying to come back to the Ancient Regime's ways, but being confronted to the Revolution's changes. Finally, this era was mostly pacific, economically positive and paved the way for the development of industrialization. -
Treaty of Fontainebleau
Agreement between Austria, Russia and Prussia and rectified by Napoleon. This treaty ended with Napoleon's governing and was banished from the country, to the Mediterranean island of Elba. -
The French Charter of 1814
This document restored the dynasty of the Bourbons, by installing a Parliamentary Monarchy, heavily based on the Ancient Regime's values but with some elements from the Revolution. It promised to keep most liberties, however it gave great power to the King. -
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Congress of Vienna
Guided by the principles of order, conservatism and religion, this congress gave place to the creation of alliances between the authoritarian monarchies ruling all over Europe. -
Beginning of the Hundred Days War
Napoleon arrived to Golfe-Juan from Elba with the intention of regaining his powers. He marches to Paris, encountering a great amount of support in non-royalist regions. -
Waterloo's Battle
Four days prior to Napoleon's final abdication, this defeat to the Seventh Coalition marked the definitive end of the First Empire residues. -
Abdication and exile of Napoleon I
Following the French defeat of the Waterloo's Battle, Napoleon lacked political support in Paris, which made him finally step down in favor of his son, Napoleon II. However, after just a few days, the Chamber of Representatives created a Provisional government lead "by the people", replacing him. A month later, the Imperial family was detained by the British in their intention to reach the New Continent, and Napoleon was exiled to the island of Saint Helena. -
Holy Alliance
This was a coalition between monarchist great powers, beginning with Austria, Prussia and Russia, and later additions the United Kingdom and France. Its main objective was preventing the spread of liberalist movements in the name of peace. -
Alexandrina Victoria is born
Fifth in the succession British line, nobody thought she would ever reign the country. -
Death of Napoleon I
He died in exile, in the Atlantic island of Saint Helena. He was buried in Paris 19 years later, in December of 1840. -
Death of Louis XVIII
He died of sickness in Versailles. He was replaced by his brother, who took the name Charles X. -
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European Revolutionary Wave
This revolutionary wave was mainly lead by nationalist doctrines. There were insurrections in Belgium, France, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Poland. -
Greece's independency
With international aids, from the kingdoms of Prussia, Great Britain and France, the greeks gained independency from the Ottoman rule. This after the massacre lived by the citizens of Chios by the colonizers in April 1822, where thousands of greeks found their end in an Ottoman mission to extinguish Nationalist movements. -
Dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies
The Chambers are dismissed by the King two years sooner, acting against him when the opposition is elected in majority at the next elections. -
Publication of the Five Ordinances
Exposing the King Charles X's desire to reestablish the Ancient Regime, in these he mandates: the suspension of the liberty of press, the reduction of the electoral body and the dissolution of the chamber of Deputies. -
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The July Monarchy
This rule promised a more liberal constitutional monarchy, giving more power to the Parliament and lead by the popular Louis-Philippe of Orleans. -
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The July Revolution or "Trois Glorieuses"
After a long period of unconformity and the publishing of oppressive orders given by the King Charles X, people in Paris barricaded the city and fought against the government. This concluded in the removal of the King and his replacing by the Louis-Philippe, his cousin, being seen as the "people's King". -
Belgium Independence
Influenced by the French July revolution. Under a provisional government, Belgium separated from the Netherlands. -
Guizot Law
This law established the principle where primary education should be accessible to everyone. -
Failed coup d'état
Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, tries to overthrow the government, but is ultimately unsuccessful because of its badly organization. He is judged but is finally put in freedom. -
Queen Victoria's Coronation
On June 20th she ascends to the British throne, when King William IV passed away. She was 18 years old. -
Slavery is abolished in the British Empire
Its said that over 700 thousand slaves were emancipated in this period. Former owners where economically compensated and former slaves didn't receive any aid for their survival. -
Queen Victoria marries King Alfred
Aged of 21 years, the Queen marries her cousin, with whom she would bear 9 children in the span of 17 years. -
Second failed coup d'etat
Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte illegally comes back from the United States. He tries to overthrow the government again, but most of his companions are retained and he is put in prison for life. However, he escapes in 1846. -
The Springtime of the Peoples
The most important revolutionary wave in Europe. Guided by a rather liberal, democratic and national mindset, this era saw uprisings mainly in the territories of France, Austria, Prussia and Italy. -
French Revolution of 1848
Even if the new King promised to be more liberal, his rule soon was reveled to be quite conservatory and authoritarian. This lead to the Paris insurrection, culminating with the king's abdication, the power taken by a provisory government, on February 24. -
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The Second Republic
Proclaimed in front of the Hôtel de Ville, this government established the right to work, the right of free association and gave birth to National Workshops. It also put in place the universal masculine vote, while degrading the legal women's status. However, this period is considered to be a short taste of a democratic and social regime. -
Reinstallation of the universal male suffrage
It's established for every male French citizen aged of at least 21 years. -
Abolition of slavery in the French colonies
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Louis-Napoleon becomes president of France
Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon's nephew, is elected president during the first universal male suffrage's elections. He won with almost 75% of the total votes. -
Limitation of the universal suffrage
A law was imposed, instating that a male citizen is obliged to have lived in the same zone for at least 3 years for being able to participate in the voting. This excluded a great part of the lower-class populations, that often had to move in the search of employment. -
1851 "Coup d'État"
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, French president, stages a self-coup in order to stay in power. He dissolved the National Assembly, imposed a new constitution, that granted him with more powers, and ends with the Second Republic. -
Imperial plebiscite
Napoleon III consulted the people for the reinstallation of the Empire. He won these elections. -
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The Second Empire
After one year of preparations, the Second Empire was born alongside a new Constitution. Even though it was a highly authoritarian government, it began a liberalization that accompanied the modernization of the country. -
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Haussman's renovation of Paris
Commissioned by Napoleon III, this gigantic project lead by Baron Haussmann had the goal of renovating the city. It costed the demolition of entire neighborhoods and a fortune for the city, but it had a great legacy, imposing the most recognizable architectural style of Paris. -
Napoleon III marriage
The French emperor marries a Eugénie de Montijo, born in the Spanish nobility. As empress, she was very involved in politics, gaining major criticism. -
First Exposition universelle
This seven month long international exhibition was the first held in France, and second after the British's Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations. There where 27 countries participating and was visited by more than 5 million people. -
Treaty of Paris
Putting an end to the Crimean wars, this French victory with other powers against the Russian Empire helped the Empire to position itself as a solid European influence. This treaty established the neutrality of the Black Sea. -
Free trade agreement between France and Great Britain
This agreement suppressed taxes from the main goods exchanged by these nations, like French wine or British coal. This policy is often marked as the beginning of a golden age of trade in the continent, allowing its industrial development. -
The failed Mexican Expedition
Following its independence, Mexico lived a very unstable political era during the IXX century, therefore delaying the debts payment to European countries. This was the final motivation for the French emperor to intervene in the content, as he intended to conquer more American territories. And even after other powers agreed to withdraw their troops in 1862, he insisted and eventually conquered. Napoleon put Maximilian I on the throne, but his liberal and carefree reign lead to his execution(1876) -
Death of Prince Albert
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Olivier Law
Impulsed by the emperor, this law permitted the right to strike under certain conditions (allowing non-strikers to work), which was suppressed during the French Revolution. -
Inauguration of the Gare du Nord
The Second Empire saw great investments on the construction of railways, counting with more than 18 000 km of these in 1870. However, it was with the conclusion of the construction of this railway station was the maximum symbol of the train development in France. -
Second Exposition Universelle
This exposition came when the Paris Haussmann's works were very advanced, and marked the culminant point of the Empire. They were held in the Champs de Mars, with 32 participating nations. -
Duruy Law
These law helped widen the French education, as schools became free and female primary education was granted.
Refer to "Primary school becomes mandatory". -
Suez Canal Inauguration
This route of tray is still relevant, as it connects Europe and Asia without the need of contouring the African continent. The project was administrated by an anglo-french company, until it was nationalized by Egypt in 1956. -
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Franco-Prussian War
Conflict between France and a coalition between germanic provinces headed by Prussia, which lead to the German unification. This war was first declared by Napoleon III, convinced that his army could defeat its opponent. But he was wrong. The germans were equipped with higher technology, triumphing in this conflict. -
Battle of Sedan
During the Franco-Prussian wars, this battle put France in serious disadvantage. In fact, during this battle, the emperor was captured, many troops lost and the war had to be continued by a previsionary government, as Napoleon III capitulated. -
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The Third Republic
The Third Republic was created after the Franco-Prussian war, the dissolvement of the Paris Commune and in a time of socio-political unsteadiness. Based on a parliamentary supremacy, this period was notably marked by its stability, industrialization and establishment of social service. It was also an age of colonial expansion. This government saw its fall during the WW2, with the creation of the Vichy government. -
Siege of Paris
This four month siege culminated by the French defeat by Prussian powers, the establishment of the German Empire with the Emperor proclamation in Versailles (including their appropriation of the disputed Alsace-Lorraine) and Paris Commune. -
Proclamation of the German Empire
After their success in the Franco-Prussian wars, this was the first step to the creation of German state as its known today. -
Paris Commune
Headed by people from the workin-class, this short government began as uprisings refusing to recognize the authority of the new republic. Its mandates and rules, were mostly influenced by left-wing political ideals, and anarchists, communists, feminist, and socialist are said to have played important roles during the two months of the Commune. However, it ended with an estimated of 20 thousand executions by the National Army. This event inspired artists and philosophers, like Marx or Engels. -
Death of Napoleon III
He died during his exile to England, due to sickness, while watching closely the political French situation. His son, enrolled in the British army, died 6 years later and his wife, lived until 1920. It was the end of the Bonaparte Dynasty. -
"La Marseillaise" oficial becomes the national hymn
This song demonstrates the rejection of the monarchy and the new national values -
Primary school becomes mandatory
After the rise of population and the demand for regulation on kids factory workers, not only education was opened for girls in 1867, but elementary school became obligatory and laic with the Jules Ferry's Laws. -
Law granting the liberty of the press
It defines the rights and obligations of the press, as well as every citizen wanting to express themselves in public space. -
Law authorizing the creation of syndicates
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Dreyfus affair
After the false conviction of the jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus for treason, the affair divides the French people, as many believe in his innocence (Émile Zola with his letter "J'accuse..." for example) while others back up his culpability, mainly influenced by antisemitic news papers. He was proven innocent, but this event lead to the radicalization of many, possibly partially explaining social phenomenons during the WWII. -
Death of Queen Victoria
She died of old age, at 81, and completed 63 years of reign. She expanded the territory and consolidated it as a great empire, with many colonies all around the world. Under her rule a great industrialization of the country also began, which she accompanied with social reforms, like the mandatory primary education and regulation of payment and working conditions. -
Incapacity to teach of religious congregation members
In an essay to strengthen the national public and laic education, a law forbidding religious orders members from teaching is passed. -
State separation from the church
Won by 179 against 103, this law was proclaimed in the effort of diminishing the political influence of religion, but it was badly received by French catholics. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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World War I
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Jean Jures's assasination
Leader of the socialist mouvement SFIO, he's assassinated by the nationalist Raoul Villain. Jures was an important pacifist political figure, who tried to prevent France from entering the Great War. -
German invasion of Belgium
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First air combat
Planes used to be used mainly for information, but they were armed. It is one of the examples of technological advances seen in the First War. -
Armeninan Genocide
Systematic elimination of the Armenian ethnic group by the Ottoman Empire. -
Battle of Verdun
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The United States declares war against Germany
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End of the WWI
The German surrender, as they were weakened by the war, the economical sanctions and their own internal conflicts. -
Treaty of Versailles
This treaty imposes great sanctions for Germany, judged as only responsible for the war. It is condemned to the pay of indemnities, lost part of its territory and is demilitarized. -
Construction of the Maginot Line
These were defensive lines finished in 1938, created with the intention of making more difficult the entry of the country by invaders from the West. -
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World War II
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France declares war
After the German invasion of Poland, France and the UK officially make a war declaration against Germany. -
Churchill becomes the new British Prime Minister
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German invasion of Belgium
For a second time, this invasion paved the way for the German invasion of France. -
French Parliament gives full powers to Marshal Petain
This meant the end of the third Republic, as shortly after the head of state announced the creation of the "French State", commonly known as the Vichy Regime. France was reduced to half of its territory, and began a cooperation strategy, sending jewish people over to the German, whom occupied the other half of the country. However, this regime was short, as the French were called to rebel by Charles de Gaulle, from a UK radio station.