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American Revolution/Independence
The American Revolution officially began when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, although fighting had begun in 1775. The French saw the possibility of success and formally joined the Americans by declaring war against Britain. -
Taxes
After costly wars and bad harvests, King Louis XVI if forced to raise taxes to pay off the debt -
The Third Estate
The Third Estate declares it is now the National Assembly -
Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate joins on an indoor tennis court to adopt a new constitution -
Fall of Bastille
Mob increase in Paris led to one of the most significant uprisings, The Battle of Bastille. he increased mob activity in Paris had resulted in the formation of a permanent committee to keep order. This organized popular force broke into a royal armory and collected arms and then stormed the Bastille. It also signified the end of the authority of Louis XVI, because he was no longer able to control the political tides of France. -
The Rights of Man and Citizen
The Assembly adopts the Rights of Man and Citizen -
October Days
For the duration of the Revolution, bread was in short supply. The harvest of 1789 had been poor, and France was in debt. Crowds of Parisian women met at City Hall to demand bread and when they were refused, marched the 12 miles to Versailles to confront the royal family. After relating their need to Louis, he promised the women that he would send grain to Paris. This was extremely significant because the king displayed that he was subject to the pressure of the people. -
Flag
The Tri-Color becomes the National Flag -
Flee
King Louis XIV recognized that he and his family would not be safe in France for much longer. In June of 1791, the royal family left Paris in a coach headed towards Belgium. The King and his family were apprehended in Varennes by the National Guard. The royal family returned to Paris on June 25th as prisoners of the people they had once controlled. -
War
France declares war on Austria and Prussia -
Reign of Terror
Robespierre declares the Reign of Terror and begins executing people ate the guillotine -
Execution
Marie Antoinette is executed at Versailles by extremist on the guillotine -
Napoleon
Napoleon declares himself emperor of France
