-
France's economy declined
France's economy was once very good, and in 1780 it began to decline. This caused factory owners and merchants to become alarmed. On the surface it looked that France's economy was fine, but the people of France knew that there was a decline happening. This event was important to the French Revolution because it started to get people worried and wonder why the economy was declining. -
Period: to
The French Revolution
-
Establishment of the National Assembly
The Third Estate declared themselves as the National Assembly. Their role was to make important decisions for the country. They also oversaw all of the law creations in the country. This was important to the French Revolution because it was the creation of a new government for the people of France. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The members of the Third Estate took the Tennis Court Oath. This oath stated that they would not separate until there was a written constitution created for France. When the members of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their usual meeting hall, they relocated their meeting to a nearby tennis court. This oath was important to the French Revolution because it proved to the people of France that authority came from the nation and not the monarchy. -
Storming the Bastille
The Bastille, a Paris prison, was stormed by a mob searching for gunpowder. The guards were caught by surprise and the mob gained control of the building. The prison commander and multiple guards were killed by the mob. This event was important to the French Revolution because it marked the overthrowing of the monarchy. -
The King left France
The king, his family, and his servants left Versailles. He felt a lot of pressure and did not want to be in charge for ruling France anymore. He was most likely terrified that he was going to get himself and his family killed. This was important to the French Revolution because it signaled the end of power and the radical reforms that were about to take France over. -
National Assembly created the new constitution
The new constitution created a limited constitutional monarchy. The Legislative Assembly was created. They had the power to create and reject laws. This event was important to the French Revolution because it marked the end of the absolute monarchy and stripped the king of most of his power. -
Legislative Assembly declares war
Many European countries were worried for France as there were so many alarming changes happening. People feared that similar revolts were going to break out in their own countries. Austria and Prussia tried to convince France to give the King his power back. This event was important to the French Revolution because it created yet another issue for France to deal with. -
The National Convention takes office
As soon as the national convention took office, the monarchy was abolished and France became republic. Adult males in France were granted the right to vote. Women were not given a vote. This was important to the French Revolution because it shifted France into a republic that would make the citizens happy. -
France has more enemies
Great Britain, Holland, and Spain joined Prussia and Austria against France. This caused France to suffer multiple defeats because they had more enemies fighting them. Jacobin Leaders in the convention took an extreme step to reinforce the French army. This was important to the French Revolution because the French army grew to over 800,000 people and also included women. -
Robespierre became leader of the Committee of Public Safety
France was now being governed by Robespierre, and he acted as a dictator. The period of his rule became known as the Reign of Terror. Under Robespierre's leadership, there were about 17,000 victims of the guillotine. This was important to the French Revolution because his leadership pushed people to become more aware of what was happening in France and fight for freedom.