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Call of the Estates Generals
King Louis XVI called the Estates Generals for advice due to financial issues in France. This was very important because the discussions determined the person's rights and status. The three estates were a frustration for the common people, because the third estate made up 97% of the French population, had to pay the most taxes. The Estates Generals could not come to an agreement, so the third estate established their own discussion and a National Assembly. This meeting set forth the revolution. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath showed the growing anger of the people against Louis XVI. It set the foundation for the revolution and the Declaration of Rights of Man. The newly formed National Assembly gathered to have discussions among themselves. It fueled the fire for the revolution. It was very successful because it displayed that the political authority lies in the people's hands not from the monarchy. -
Storming of the Bastille
A crowd of rioters gathered around the Bastille in attempt to secure gunpowder and weapons for the revolution. As more and more rioters converged on the Bastille, the defenders raised a flag of surrender. The people seized the weapons, symbolizing the end of the ancien regime. This put forward the revolution and inspired many people to join the cause to revolt. The success of this event was so important for the future to abolish the monarchy. It put a positive start to the revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
This document created principles that inspired the revolution. It served as a preamble to the future constitution. Stating the rights of man put new ways of thinking into people's minds. Many started to believe in this declaration. It explains the freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and separation of powers. This document furthered the cause of the revolution positively. It supported their reasons for revolting and their anger against the monarchy. -
March on Versailles
The March on Versailles was a women's march at the beginning of the revolution. The people gained confidence in power over the king. -
Slaves Gain Inspiration to Revolt (Saint-Domingue)
The people of Saint-Domingue were inspired by the events happening in France. Many Haitian revolutionary groups emerged. They used the "Declaration of the Rights of Man" as their inspiration. Because of the groups emerging, it put Saint-Domingue in a good position to move towards a revolution. Toussaint, realizing he could become a prime figure, led the revolution into one of the most successful rebellions in history. -
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was an attempt to reorganize the Catholic Church in France. -
Royal Family Attempt to Flee
The royal family attempts to flee the country to escape the revolutionaries. Because they tried to flee, it led to the execution of Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette in 1793. Many peasants were struggling under Louis XVI's rule, so when he expected them to help him, they turned against him. They forced his family to return to France, and the people felt betrayed by him. It turned the revolution around in favor of the people after exposing the lies. More citizens joined the revolution. -
Haitian Revolution Begins
The Haitian Revolution officially begins, initiated by the slaves and their leader Toussaint L'Ouverture. -
Toussaint L'Ouverture Joins the Spanish Fight Against Napoleon
Toussaint joins the Spanish army believing that they would help and support the Haitian Revolution. -
Toussaint Holds Off France and Britain
Toussaint's ability to hold of France and Britain was admired by many. It also inspired his army to fight harder. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
After his execution, many people rejoiced due to his inability to change or lead. His death ensured that a monarchy will not return to power. The goals for a republic were achieved. However, this also setback the people, because they could not find a permanent agreement on the government. In short, his execution had a positive and negative impact on the revolution. Nevertheless, It was successful in allowing sovereignty. It put faith in many revolutionaries. -
Reign of Terror (Sept. 5 1793-Jul. 28 1794)
The Reign of Terror was a dark and violent time. The revolutionaries decided to terrorize anybody who was suspected as an enemy. A wave of executions were followed. The purpose was to have no enemies and increase power of the national state. It also acted as a precedent for a democratic government. However, the executions were out of control and led to Robespierre's execution. It was a successful event, accomplishing goals of the revolutionaries. It progressed the revolution in the right way. -
L'Ouverture Abandons Spanish, Joins French Forces
Toussaint revokes his support of the Spanish army after they refused to take steps to end slavery. -
Toussaint L'Ouverture Gains Power
Toussaint gains power by being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the army. With Toussaint in power, he leads the rebellion and puts the slaves ahead of the French. He was very successful in the rebellion, making Saint-Domingue an independent state. Technically, it was still a French colony, but with him acting against the French, it was independent. -
Britain Withdraws
The British surrender their fight for Saint-Domingue after a series of defeats. They negotiate peace with L'Ouverture and he grants a pardon for all French citizens who didn't fight with the British. He also pardons all black troops enlisted in the British army. This event furthered the cause of the rebellion, sending a message to others that they can gain independence. This really put hope and inspiration into the people of Haiti. L'Ouverture gains confidence as well. -
L'Ouverture Conquers Santo Domingo
After conquering Santo Domingo, he proclaims the new constitution in Saint-Domingue. He declares himself the Governor General. Slavery is abolished and the constitution eliminates all signs of racism, stating "all individuals be admitted to all public functions depending on their merit and without regard to race or color." However, this didn't sit well with planters obviously, and Bonaparte sent men to re-impose slavery and unseat L'Ouverture. France recognizes the constitution as a threat. -
Napoleon Sends His Army to Saint-Domingue
Napoleon sends his brother-in-law to regain control of Saint-Domingue. He sends his army because the land was very rich in sugar and coffee, and would bring a lot of fortune to France. It would also improve the economy and employ many French people. -
L'Ouverture Deported to France, Imprisoned
After Napoleon sends his brother-in-law to Saint-Domingue, they capture Toussaint and imprisoned him in France. -
L'Ouverture Dies in Prison
After intense interrogation, L'Ouverture dies from pneumonia and starvation. Toussaint is considered a hero by many.
