-
Louis XVI calls the Estates General
In order to address France's financial situation, Louis XVI summons a meeting with the Estates General.The assembly was made up of 3 estates to decide on the demand of new taxes and undertaking reforms in the country. The 3rd estate eventually broke into a National Assembly. This marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
Tennis Court Oath
“We swear never to separate and to meet wherever circumstances require until the kingdom's Constitution is established and grounded on solid foundations.” They took an Oath that they would not leave until France had its own constitution. This event was a founding act of the French democracy and helped with the separation of authority and national sovereignty. It was a major turning point for the revolution, in which it limited Louis XVI's power. -
Parisians storming the Bastille
Hundreds of Parisians stormed the Bastille in order to free the prisoners and seize 250 barrels of gun powder. They did this because they wanted to protest against Louis XVI as he abused his power. It was a defining moment for the revolution leading to a social, economic, and political crisis. It toppled the monarchy for they struck a blow against one of the monarchy's most forbidding symbols. -
Writing the declaration of the Rights of Men
Written by Marquis de Lafayette with the help of Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of the Rights of Men declared that Men are born free and remain free and equal. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It was an example of the values of the French Revolution. It had an impact on the creation of popular conceptions of liberty and democracy. -
March on Versailles
This was a riot that took place during the beginnings of the french revolution. Consisting of mostly women, they complained about the high prices and limited availability of bread. Not only was it one of the earliest but it was also one of the most significant events. Because of this event, the royals were forced back to paris. -
Establishment of New French Constitution
The Constitution of 1791 was created by the National assembly during the French Revolution. This Franchise was made for the active tax payers. It only lasted a year. It created a new form of government for France. It limited the powers of the monarchy for France. -
Execution of the Queen
After being found guilty of crimes against the state, Marie-Antoinette was beheaded. She was charged for aiding the enemy and inciting civil war. This death was the last of the royal family pushing them further into chaos. The reign of terror was a tragic outcome. -
Execution of the King
After a vote, King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason. He was sentenced to death and beheaded by the guillotined. His death brought an end to more than a thousand years of continuous French monarchy. The king's death challenged the divine rights of kings. -
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was encouraged by a political and religious upheaval. It was a series of public massacres and executions, anyone who opposed the ideas of the revolution was executed. Because of this event, a conscripted army was created, saving France from foreign threats. The Terror was very successful in destroying enemies of the revolution. -
Napoleon Overthrows the Directory
Supported by his army, Napoleon collaborated in a coup d'état and overthrew the directory. Because of this, Napoleon was now the first consul, making him the leading figure of France. This event is known as the effective end to the French Revolution -
Napoleon Builds an Empire
Because he wanted to control Europe, Napoleon built his empire through a conquest of territories belonging to the enemies. He was successful by defeating the Coalition armies and a successful invasion of Egypt. Established as First Consul of France in 1799, putting an end to the French Revolution. -
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon led the Grande Armée across the Neman River into present day Poland. The goal was to convince the Russian Empire to comply with the continental blockade of the UK. The result was a disaster for the French. This defeat led to the fall of Napoleon and his empire. -
6th Coalition Occupies Europe
A coalition of Austria, Prussia, Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, Sweden, Sardinia, and a number of German States joined to fight against France. When they successfully defeated France, they drove Napoleon to exile on the island of Elba. The Allies defeated the remaining French armies, they occupied Paris. -
The Congress of Vienna Meets
The creation of of Vienna was created in the attempts to redraw the borders of Europe after the chaos that was caused by the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary wars. They wanted to maintain peace and stability throughout the continent. They created balance throughout Europe. -
King Louis XVII Begins His Reign
King Louis XVIII's reign represents an important period of transition in French History to a more stable political landscape. He was the monarch who followed the period of revolution and the Napoleonic era, marking the restoring of the Bourbon Monarchy. His reign led to the constitutional charter. -
Napoleon Defeated at Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was fought between Napoleon's French Army and a coalition led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blütcher. Grouchy is to be blamed for this defeat as he held back his men from joining Napoleon. The battle ended a devistating 23 year long year war. As well as ending French attempts for control and destroyed Napoleon's imperial power forever.