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Estates-General Meeting
King Louis XVI calls a meeting with the Estates-General- an assembly representing France's nobles, clergy, and middle class. The meeting does not work well, as the Third Estate (middle class) wants equal representation, while the nobles want to keep their power. -
Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate meets by itself and titles itself the National Assembly. Its members meet three days later in an indoor tennis court and vow not to disperse until constitutional reform is achieved. -
Storming of the Bastille
Rioters storm the Bastille fortress in an attempt to secure gunpowder and weapons. This is considered to be the start of the French Revolution. -
Feudalism is Abolished
The National Constituent Assembly abolishes feudalism. -
First Constitution
France's first written constitution establishes a constitutional monarchy in which the king has royal veto power and the ability to appoint ministers. Influential radicals are unhappy with this and start campaigning for a more republican form of government and the trial of Louis XVI. -
National Convention Replaces Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly is replaced by the National Convention, which proclaims the abolishment of the monarchy and the establishment of the French republic. -
King Louis XVI is Executed
The National Convention executes King Louis XVI on the charges of high treason and crimes against the state. -
Jacobins Gain Power
The Jacobins seize control of the National Convention. They establish a new calendar and abolish Christianity. One influential Jacobin, Robespierre, runs the Reign of Terror until his execution. -
Period: to
Reign of Terror
Thousands of suspected enemies of the revolution were executed by the Jacobins under orders from Robespierre. -
New Constitution
The National Convention approves a new constitution that creates France's first bicameral legislature. The new constitution gives executive power to a five-member Directory appointed by Parliament. -
End of French Revolution
Napoleon stages a coup d’état and takes over the government. He abolishes the Directory and appoints himself as France's "first consul". This marks the end of the French Revolution.
