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Wheat Crop Dies
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Period: to
French Revolution
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Third Estate & Tennis Cour Oath
The Third Estate meets at a tennis court nearby and agrees to create a constitution -
The Bastille
Peasants storm the Bastille. They break in initially to get gunpowder and guns. The mob proceeds to tear the brick structure down. "the spark of the revolution". -
Constitution of 1791
give power to the National Assembly and limit the king's power. Reluctantly signed by Louis XVI. -
Louis XVI & Marie Antionette Caught Attempting to Escape to Austria
Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette attempt to flee to Austria where they can get an army from her father. They are caught and forced to return to Paris where they are imprisoned. -
Louis XVI Publicly Executed
Sentenced to death for treason. He's publicly executed by guillotine in Paris. -
Reign of Terror
The Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre, begins to execute thousands of French people believed to be "enemies of the state." -
Robespierre Executed, Reign of Terror Ends
Robespierre is executed. His death marks the end of the Reign of Terror. -
The Directory
A 5 person executive branch and a new constitution are created following the Reign of Terror. Little will improve for the French people over the next 4 years as they are at war with Austria, Prussia and Italy. -
The Rise of Napoleon
A young general who's been gaining favor with the French people takes over as the leader of France. -
Napoleon as Emperor
For the first 5 years of his rule he had 2 others who worked as a group called The Consulate. In 1804, the pope came to Paris to Crown Napoleon, marking the beginning of his rule of France as dictator. -
Battle of Trafalger
Napoleon loses a naval battle to his greatest enemy, Britain. He wins land from other parts of Europe marking some success. -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon takes his Grand Army of 600,000 troops to Moscow. Russian troops use guerilla tactics and a scorched earth policy that leave nothing for French troops to use. They retreat in December of 1812. 2/3 (400,000) of troops die before firing a shot or fighting in a battle. -
Napoleon surrenders & is sent to Elba Island
Forced to surrender by Britain and Russia, Napoleon is given a pension to live off of and is sent to Elba Island -
Napoleon & 100 days
Napoleon leave Elba Island 100 days after exile. He goes back to France to erect an army which is quickly defeated at the Battle of Waterloo -
Napoleon Exiled to St. Helena Island
Exiled again, he's sent to St. Helena Island where he will die 6 years later (1820).