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Apr 15, 1483
French Renaissance (1483-1595)
The renaissance period was a time for rebirth of a country. During the renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement took place. This included the spreading of humanism, exploring the “New World”, and the development of new art techniques. The renaissance period was significant because it represented a break from the middle ages, and France’s modern-day culture has been influenced by this period of rebirth. -
King Louis XIV reigns (1643-1715)
King Louis XIV was known as “Louis the Great” or the “Sun King” and ruled France from 1643 until he died in 1715. He reigned for the longest anyone ever has in European History, at 72 years and 110 days. He wanted to eliminate Feudalism in the parts of France that kept on persisting. He made France the leading European power which fought in 3 major wars; the Franco-Dutch War, the War of the League of Augsburg, and the War of the Spanish Succession. This was significant because he gained France p -
Storming of the Bastille
The bastille was a fortress in Paris that was used as a state prison for most of its years. It was stormed by a crowd (although there was only 7 prisoners in it at the time) marking the beginning of the French revolution. It is significant because it is still celebrated in France today as a holiday and it was the beginning of the French revolution. Without this event, the French revolution may not have happened. -
The Declaration of Human Rights
The Droits de l’homme was a declaration made during the Revolutionary War on human rights. It was General Lafayette who introduced the idea, but it was influenced by Thomas Jefferson. This is significant because it influenced America to start a revolution. This declaration had a major impact worldwide, even though it was just in France. -
Napoleon Bonaparte crowned emperor of France
Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of France at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The pope handed him the crown and he put it on his head. He was one of the greatest military strategists in world history, and he quickly rose in ranks of the French Revolutionary Army in the late 1790s. By 1799, France was at war and Napoleon took over the reigns of the French government to save is nation from collapsing. This was significant because he was very influential over the French government. -
The Arc De Triomphe opens
The Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch in English) is one of the most famous monuments in France, just like the Eiffel Tower. This tall arc (164 ft) is in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. Construction on this magnificent structure began on August 15th, 1806 and ended in 1836, which was when it opened to the public. After it was built, it became the rallying point of French troops to celebrate successful military campaigns and for the annual Bastille Day military parade. The opening of thi -
World's Fair
The Eiffel tower was made in Paris to be the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair. The World’s Fair was held during the year of the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, an event of the French Revolution. It was held on Champ de Mars, in Paris, France. It was significant because the Eiffel Tower is a monument that many people visit every day and without the World’s Fair, it would not be there. -
Tour De France is founded
Henri Desgrange was a French bicycle racer and sports journalist who set 12 world track cycling records. He founded the Tour de France in 1903 and it has played a big role in France, as well as other countries around the world. People come from all over the world to compete in this huge bicycle race around France, and people from around the world also watch it on their televisions. This is significant because it impacts a variety of cultures from all around the world and is the world’s most popu -
Treaty of Versailles signed
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty between the allied powers and Germany which helped to end World War I. This treaty was signed on June 28th, 1919 in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles Paris, France. This was significant because it was one of the treaties to end World War I and improve relations between the allied powers and Germany. -
Euros introduced
A Euro is the European Currency used in France as well as many other countries in Europe. On December 16 1995, the name Euro was officially used and on January 1 1999 introduced as an accounting currency to the world financial markets, replacing the old currency. The physical Euro coins and bills entered the day-to-day circulation on January 1st, 2002. So transferring to the Euro took a lot of work and it has a big significance in France. Everyone in France uses this currency, and when people vi
