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The Women's March on Versailles
On October 5, 1789, a crowd of thousands of angry Parisian women marched to Versailles to demand bread and to bring the king back to Paris. This protest provided a sense of urgency to the revolution and emphasized the power of the people in bringing government change.
The Women's March on Versailles was a significant event as it highlighted the role of women in revolution and social movements. -
Storming of the Bastille
On July 14th, 1789, a mob attacked the Bastille prison in Paris, a symbol of royal tyranny, releasing political prisoners in the process. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution as the citizens began to take matters into their own hands to fight against the monarchy.
The storming of the Bastille was a significant event as it was a turning point in the revolution which demonstrated the determination of the people in their pursuit of political change. -
The Great Fear
The Great Fear was a widespread panic in the countryside of France during the period of July to August 1789. Peasants were afraid that the nobles were going to attack them in order to undo the recent changes made on behalf of the Third Estate. Peasant uprisings destroyed many noble estates while lawmakers in Paris abolished feudal privileges.
The Great Fear was a significant event as it broke down many feudalistic privileges and hence fewer divisions amongst the social classes of France. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate was locked out of its usual meeting place and convened at the nearby tennis court where members swore an oath to continue meeting until a new constitution for France had been drawn up. The Tennis Court Oath became an essential symbol of French revolution and people's determination to achieve political liberty through collective action.
It was a significant event as it marked the beginning of a constitutional monarchy and the increased assertiveness of the Third Estate. -
Abolition of Feudalism
The abolition of feudalism marked an essential turning point of the French Revolution as this decree abolished the system of privileges used by the nobility. It was a significant step towards greater equality in French society.
The abolition of feudalism was a significant event as it had an immense impact on French society, particularly in the reduction of social inequalities. -
Period: to
Franch revolution
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The Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was an era of violence that began after the execution of Louis XVI in Paris. During this period, Maximilien Robespierre emerged as the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. The Reign of Terror was marked by mass executions.
The Reign of Terror stands out as an essential phase as it marked the country's transition into dictatorship, paving the way for Napoleon's rise to power. -
Execution of Louis XVI
The execution of Louis XVI marked the end of the French monarchy and the beginning of a radically new French Republic. The king's trial and subsequent execution were the height of the Revolution's radical phase and ultimately led to the establishment of the Republic.
The execution of Louis XVI was a significant event as it signaled the end of the ancien regime and absolute monarch rule. -
Execution of Robespierre
The execution of Robespierre marked the end of the Reign of Terror and represented a shift in French politics. It brought an end to one of the revolution's most powerful and feared leaders, and France's government evolved into a more moderate republican form of governance.
The execution of Robespierre was a critical event as it led to the end of the radical phase of the French Revolution, which paved the way for a more moderate approach towards governance in France. -
Napoleon's Coup d'État
Napoleon Bonaparte executed a coup d'etat, abolishing the Directory with his constitution, known as the Napoleonic Code. This constitution set the balance of power through the separation of powers, which became a template emulated within Western nations.
Napoleon's coup d'etat was a significant event as it marked the end of the revolution, paving the way for Napoleon to establish his dictatorship in France. -
Napoleonic Wars
Napoleon Bonaparte's ambition for European domination resulted in a series of devastating wars that reached across the continent. These wars ended in his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and set the stage for the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy.
The Napoleonic Wars had far-reaching consequences, ultimately leading to the reshaping of European politics and the emergence of new nation-states. -
Sources
History.com
Britannica.com