-
Beginning of the Estates General
King Louis XVI convened the Estates General to address France's financial crisis, setting the stage for revolutionary changes. -
Period: to
French Revolution
-
Storming of the Bastille
A defining event of the French Revolution, where the people of Paris stormed the Bastille prison, symbolizing their resistance to royal tyranny. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
This document laid the foundation for human rights and democracy in France, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity -
Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Citizen
Written by Olympe de Gouges, this document demanded gender equality, criticizing the original declaration for ignoring women’s rights. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was found guilty of treason and guillotined, ending the monarchy and strengthening the Republic. -
Coup d’État of Thermidor
Robespierre was arrested and executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror and shifting power away from the radical Jacobins. -
The Terror
A period of extreme violence led by the Jacobins and Robespierre, where thousands, including Queen Marie Antoinette, were executed via the guillotine. -
The Directory (1795-1799)
A five-man government that ruled France after the fall of Robespierre. It was marked by corruption and inefficiency before being overthrown by Napoleon. -
Coup d’État of Brumaire
Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory, establishing the Consulate and paving the way for his rule as Emperor. -
The Consulate
Napoleon ruled as First Consul, stabilizing France and laying the groundwork for his eventual declaration as Emperor. -
The Empire(1804-1814, 1815)
Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French, expanding his empire across Europe before his downfall. -
Battle of Austerlitz
One of Napoleon’s greatest victories, where he defeated Russian and Austrian forces, solidifying his dominance in Europe. -
Exile in Elba (1814-1815)
After his defeat, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba but escaped within a year to reclaim power. -
Exile in St. Helena (1815-1821)
Napoleon was sent to the remote island of St. Helena, where he lived under strict British supervision until his death. -
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon’s final defeat at the hands of the British and Prussians, leading to his second exile. -
Death of Napoleon
Napoleon died in exile on St. Helena, possibly from stomach cancer or poisoning.