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The Old Regime
France was composed of three estates: the First, Second, and Third Estate. The First and Second estates had access to large amounts of land, good jobs, and no taxes required. The Third estate had mostly peasants who were heavily taxed and suffered through years of poverty. The Old Regime was a significant event that ultimately provoked an extremely important rebellion in the future. -
The Economy begins to Decline
The debt of kings and queens caused taxes to increase and bad weather caused the production of wheat to decrease. Many citizens of France faced starvation during this time. The top estates still remained completely unaffected, as their satisfaction was guaranteed by the labor of Third estate citizens. Citizens start questioning authority when they realize that their state of living does not equal upperclassmen states of living. -
Storming of the Bastille
French rebels physically took over the Bastille prison, freeing 9 unjustly imprisoned individuals. Although this may seem like a small act, Bastille day is the equivalent of Independence Day for America and signifies the freedom and hope of the French. In addition to those 9 released prisoners, the French managed to kill off several guards and gain access to a large weaponry. This supply of weapons was essential to the French in upcoming violent events. -
The formation of the National Assembly
The French citizens of the Third Estate realized that their "voice" in government hearings would alway be out ruled 1:2, as the First and Second Estates often selfishly place hardships onto the peasants. This formation of the National Assembly marks the first formal act of rebellion. Its purpose was to rid of the absolute monarchy and establish a fair representative government. The Enlightenment inspired many of these founders to make a move, and this move was the National Assembly. -
The Great Fear
The nobles gained access to sentence rivals to death by Guillotine with the permission of King Louis XIV, although he always signed permission letters without regarding the morality of a noble's motive. The armed peasants attacked noble manor houses and burned feudal papers. In some cases, they burned the entire house down in rage. This event is representative of the rage and thirst for revenge that the Third Estate individuals possessed. -
The Limited Monarchy
King Louis XIV reluctantly approved the plan of limiting his monarchy. This constitution created the Legislative Assembly, which was able to make laws and control declarations of war. The King still had the power to create laws. This was one of the first steps taken in wiping out the abusive total monarchy in France. -
France against Austria and Prussia
Surrounding countries feared that the French citizens' brutal actions towards their government would influence the citizens of, for example, Austria and Prussia. Therefore, France declared war in 1792 to protect its self-governing system. Around this time, the September Massacres occurred and several citizens killed upperclassmen prisoners out of fear. The neighboring countries' paranoid actions display how fragile total monarchies are, and how easily it is to corrupt a system of government. -
The Jacobin Influence
Most people involved in governmental changes were part of a radical political organization called the Jacobin club. These people use the press and their rights to publically announce their opinions on political issues to get what they want. For example, the National Convention was guided by the Jacobins and requested a trial for Louis XIV, who was sentenced to death. The Jacobins were good examples of public speakers, and helped the French get revenge on the King. -
Death of King Louis XIV
The French King was beheaded by the Guillotine. This method of death was forced upon mostly Third Estate citizens of France, and it was a common source of entertainment back in the day. Making the King die in this way allowed the French's revenge to be satisfied, as the King would finally experience the pain and meet the fate that he deserved. France would now attempt to form a new method of governing the people equally, without abusive rulers like Louis XIV. -
The Reign of Terror
Maximilien Robespierre became the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. He put several people who pose small/large threats to the Revolution, including harmless peasants, to death by Guillotine. About 40,000 total French citizens were put to death at this time. The terror ended when Robespierre was put to death by Guillotine in 1794 because some members of the National Convention turned on him. This event allowed the French to realize that they needed a change of government.
