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Estates General Meeting
A meeting called by the king in response to the financial crisis in France. -
Creation of National Assembly
The Third Estate leaves the General Estates to form their own National Assembly. -
Tennis Court Oath
The National Assembly agrees not to give up until a constitution has been established. -
Storming of the Bastille
Revolutionaries storm Bastille prison after troops sent by King Louis XVI are seen as a sign of hostility. -
Declaration of the Rights of Men
Lays out a system of rights that apply to every person. -
Women's March on Versailles
Armed peasant women storm Versailles after a rumor circulates that Antoinette is hoarding grain. -
Monarchy Overthrown
The people seize control of Versailles. -
National Convention
The people create an assembly to govern France. -
Execution of the Monarchy
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are executed on charges of treason and ruining the country's finances. -
Commitee of Public Safety
Defends the nation against foreign and domestic enemies. -
Reign of Terror
A period of state-sanctioned violence and mass executions. -
Execution of Robespierre
Robespierre and some of his followers are arrested and executed after he goes too far. -
Napolean takes Power
Napoleon Bonaparte takes advantage of the chaos to seize power and proclaim himself Emperor.