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Period: to
France 17th century
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Seven Years Wars End
In1756 war was declared and most of the major powers of the world took part of it. France entered the war with hopes of defeating Britain and gaining control of their colonies in the Americas. France eventually gave up in 1763 and surrendered all of it's possesions in America and Asia to Britain. France left the war with great tragedies and a debt so large it stayed with the remainder of the 18th century -
Louis XVI becomes King
His father the "Sun King" saw himself the epitome of french life and culture. His rather eccentric name was bestowed upon by himself. He believed that he was the source of all light in the nation. He also built a grand palace to ensure his position as king of France. Louis XVI stepped to the throne at age twenty. As a leader his skills were nonexistent. He was not ready to be king. -
Declaration of Independence
When France had gotten the news that America had declared its Independence and had gone to war with Britain. Louis had it stuck in his mind, that the only way to avenge his grandfather was to help the Americans by supplying them all the money, France desperately needed. -
Estates General
Joseph Necker, King louis's finacial advisor summoned the Estates General. There were three Estates , each Estate had its own representitives. The point of this meeting was to fix France's finacial problems. Though there was little progress. -
Tennis Court Oath
After six weeks and little progress, th Third Estate declared to form a new government called the National Assembly. The other Esatates clearly not in agreement tried to lock up the third. Angry that were locked out from a meeting about the whole of France, they decided to go to the tennis court. It is there that they made and oath to continue meeting until some new form of government has been erected. Louis responded with some democr rejected. -
The Fall of the Bastille
While the Estates General did solve some problems the people were not happy. Riots upon riots broke over the high price of bread. The mob began to target the city's prisons in an attempt to free political prisoners. Louis countered back with mercensry trops to try aprehend the people. On July 14th a colossal mob attacked the royal prison.
