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Tennis Court Oath
The members of the Third Estate, who represented the common people of France, called themselves the National Assembly. They met at a tennis court that was inside a building. The National Assembly swore the "Tennis Court Oath," stating that they would not leave until they wrote a constitution for France. The French military started to come near the cities of Versailles and Paris. -
Storming of the Bastille
The revolutionaries wanted to take over the Bastille. It was despised by the rebels. They wanted to obtain the artillary that was located in the Bastille. Later in the day, the Bastille was secured by the rebels. -
Women's March on Versailles
7.000 women marched to Versailles. They asked forcibly for the royals to go to Paris. The next day, the King, along with his family left for Paris. -
Flight to Varennes
The King and his family tried to leave the country without being noticed. The next day, at the town of Varennes, they were caught and taken back to Paris. The King and Queen were guarded by soldiers. -
First Constitution Adopted
The National Assembly created the first constitution of France. It was recognized by King Louis XVI. -
Legislative Assembly Meets
Since the National Constituit Assembly had its last meeting on September 30, 1791, the Legislative Assembly was formed. It had its first meeting on October 1, 1791. It deteriorated in about one year or less. -
Paris Commune assaults the Tuileries Palace
Revolutionaries attacked the Tuileries Palace. They killed the guards who were supposed to watch the King, known as the Swiss Guards. The royals were taken captive. -
Killing of Louis XVI
Louis XVI was sentenced to die on January 17, 1793. He was killed by the guillotine on January 21, 1793. -
Reign of Terror Begins
During this period, close to 16,600 people were murdered by the guillotine. Maximilian Robespierre, who headed the Committee of Public Safety, sought to purge France of any opposition to the rebellion. He died by the guillotine on July 28, 1794, terminating the Reign of Terror. -
Napoleon Eradicates French Directory
Napoleon Bonaparte eradicated the French Directory, instead forming the French Consulate. The First Consul would be the position of highest authority. Napoleon would later have this postition. The French Revolution was over.
