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The Estates-General Meeting
Meeting of the three estates of France held by King Louis XVI. This meeting marked the beginning of the French Revolution. -
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The French Revolution
Period of political and societal change caused by near bankruptcy and King Louis XIV being generally hated. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath was a vow the third estate of France swore to uphold. They vowed to "never to separate and to meet wherever circumstances require until the kingdom's Constitution is established and grounded on solid foundations.” -
The Storming of the Bastille
An act of rebellion against King Louis XVI as a response to the fear and anger insurgents felt toward him and his rule. This was a turning point because it showed that a monarchy could be overthrown by a great enough force. -
The Great Fear
A panic and riot caused by famine and rumors of a conspiracy by the king to overthrow the third estate. This lasted from July 22 to August 6. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The human civil rights document from the French Revolution states men's and citizens' rights. This declared that men are born free and equal in rights. -
The execution of King Louis XVI
King Louis XVI, the despised king of France was publicly executed at the Place de la Révolution in Paris by guillotine. This marked the end of the Ancient Regime and was the first time a French king was executed by his subjects. -
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The Reign of Terror
The period during the French Revolution with many massacres and public executions by guillotine. -
The Reign of Terror
The period during the French Revolution with many massacres and public executions by guillotine. This occurred from September 5, 1793, to July 27, 1794. -
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Coup d’etat
A coup that overthrew the Directory in France led by Napoleon Bonaparte. This marked the end of the French Revolution. Lasted from November 9-10 1799 -
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The First Empire (Napoleon)
Following the death of King Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte’s Coup d’etat, Napoleon took over as emperor and expanded The First French Empire. -
Congress of Vienna
Meeting of European Nations that strived to maintain peace and stability. It gathered following the defeat of Napoleon. Lasted from September 1814 to June 9th, 1815. -
Battle of Waterloo
Marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. A French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by two armies of the Seventh Coalition.