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Creation of the National Assembly
The Third Estate declares themselves the National Assembly without permission of the King while claiming to be working in his interests, as well as imploring the First and Second Estates to join the Assembly. -
The Tennis Court Oath
After being ordered to disperse by King Louis the National Assembly forms at an indoor tennis court at the Versailles Palace and make a historic oath not to disband until a new French constitution had been adopted. -
Storming of the Bastille
After seemingly cooperating with the National Assembly King Louis XVI orders Paris to be surrounded with troops which incites riots and the storming of the Bastille. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man
The outline of the ideals of the revolution detailing the rights of any man and ordinary citizen. -
Women's March on Versailles
A crowd of women demanding bread from the King for their families gathered other discontented Parisians, including some men, and marched toward Versailles. -
Formation of Jacobin Club
Jacobin members become some of the most radical leaders of the French Revolution. Its purpose was to protect the gains of the Revolution against a possible aristocratic reaction. -
Flight to Varennes
Occurs when the royal family, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, attempt to flee France. They are captured and returned to France. -
France v. Austria
France declares war with Austria. -
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September Massacres
Thousands of political prisoners are killed before they can be freed by royalist troops. -
First French Republic
The First French Republic is officially founded. -
King Louis XVI is Executed
King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine on the charge of treason. -
Committee of Public Safety is Created
The Committee of Public Safety is formed headed by Maximilian Robespierre. It rules France during the Reign of Terror. -
The Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat
A French political theorist, physician, and scientist who became best known for his role as a radical journalist and politician. He is stabbed to death in his bath by Charlotte Corday, a Royalist sympathizer. -
Start of the Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror begins as Robespierre, the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, declares that terror will be the "order of the day" for the revolutionary government. -
Execution of Marie Antoinette
The Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, is executed by guillotine. She stood accused of treason. -
Execution of Robespierre
The leader of the Committee of Public Safety and the driving force behind of the Reign of Terror is executed. -
The Directory is Created
The Directory is formed and takes control of the government of France. -
Napoleon Takes Control
Napoleon overthrows the Directory and establishes the French Consulate with Napoleon as leader of France. This brings an end to the French Revolution.
