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Palace of Versailles Built
The Palace of Versailles, a symbol of absolute monarchy, was completed in 1682 under King Louis XIV. It served as the primary residence of the French kings and a center of political power. -
King Louis Moves Capital to Versailles
In 1682, King Louis XIV moved the capital of France from Paris to Versailles, establishing it as the center of political power and royal residence. -
King Louis XVI Marries Marie Antoinette
In 1770, King Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette, an Austrian princess, in an effort to strengthen the alliance between France and Austria. -
Storming of the Bastille
:On July 14, 1789, a mob stormed the Bastille prison in Paris, marking the beginning of the French Revolution and symbolizing the end of absolute monarchy. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted on August 26, 1789, establishing fundamental rights and freedoms for all French citizens. -
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French Revolution
The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 to 1799, leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of the First French Republic. -
Tennis Court Oath
On June 20, 1789, members of the National Assembly took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to disband until a new constitution was established. -
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror, led by the Committee of Public Safety, was a period of extreme political repression and mass executions during the French Revolution. -
King Louis XVI Executed
King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, marking the end of the French monarchy and the beginning of the First French Republic. -
Women's March on Versailles
On October 5, 1789, thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles, demanding bread and the royal family's return to Paris. -
Napoleon Launches a Coup d'Etat
On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte launched a coup d'etat, overthrowing the weak Directory and establishing himself as First Consul of France. -
Creation of the Napoleonic Code
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte established the Napoleonic Code, a comprehensive legal system that influenced many countries' legal systems. -
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Napoleon as Emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte ruled as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815, during which he established the Napoleonic Code and engaged in numerous military campaigns across Europe. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France, marking the beginning of the First French Empire. -
Defeat in Russia
In 1812, Napoleon's invasion of Russia ended in a disastrous defeat, leading to significant losses in his army and weakening his power. -
Napoleon Exiled
In 1815, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, where he spent the rest of his life in captivity. -
Battle of Waterloo
On June 18, 1815, Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the combined forces of the Seventh Coalition, marking the end of his rule.