French Revolution

By Madison.Tilton

  • Storming of the Bastille

    The French Revolution officially begins.

  • Declaration was Made

    The National Assembly forms a Declaration listing citizen rights, and noting the injustice evident in the law.

  • March For Bread

    Women march to the Versailles palace, wanting the price of bread to be lowered. This intimidates the royals to leave for Paris.

  • Jacobin Club Forms

    Allows the future revolutionaries and radicals to become heard.

  • Flight to Varennes

    The King and Queen try to escape France, but are mobbed and captured, returning to the Bastille.

  • Constitution is Signed

    King Louis XVI signs the document, though order is not actually restored.

  • Legislative Assembly Forms

    The group takes place after the failure of the Constituent Assembly.

  • Guillotine Recognized as Official Execution Tool

    Later used to behead thousands, becoming a notorious weapon.

  • France Declares War on Austria

    The French later flee when confronted.

  • September Massacres

    Initiated by Danton, over 1,000 aristocrats are executed.

  • National Convention Established

    The monarchy is abolished and the first French Republic begins.

  • King Louis XVI Dies

    He was executed by guillotine.

  • Civil War in Vendée Begins

    It is a battle between those who support the revolution and those who favor the royals.

  • Jean-Paul Marat Dies

    Despite being known as the "People's Friend," the journalist was assassinated by Charlotte Corday.

  • Reign of Terror Begins

    Initiated by the "Law of Subjects."

  • Law of Subjects is Enforced

    Sentences any who oppose the Revolution to death.

  • Marie Antoinette Dies

    After being put on trial, the Queen is executed by guillotine.

  • Reign of Terror Ends

    Robespierre is arrested and his supporters are killed.

  • Robespierre Dies

    His death officially ends the period of destruction.

  • Antoine Lavoisier Dies

    The chemist is executed after accusations of being a traitor to his country.

  • National Anthem Established

    "La Marseillaise" is declared the national anthem.

  • Directory Takes Over

    Established after the approval of the Constitution of Year III.

  • Napoleon Becomes Leader

    After commanding a French army and forcing the Directorate to resign, Napoleon is officially recognized as Emperor of France.