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Period: to
French Revolution
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Meeting of the estates - general
King Louis was forced to call the first meeting of the general estates in 175 years after imposing taxes on the nobility. Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès was a clergyman that was sympathetic to the Third Estate's cause. He proposed the idea that the Third Estate delegates name themselves the National Assembly. This assembly would pass laws and represent the majority of the people.This was important because it was the first act of revolution since now there was a representative government. -
The fall of the Bastille
The French began to gather weapons out of fear of an attack. On the 14th of July a mob stormed the French prison of Bastille. The attackers gained control over the building and hacked the prision guards and commander to death. They later paraded around France the dead's heads on stakes. This is important because it was a symbolic act of rebellion. Bastille day is recognized today and its importance is similar to the 4th of July in America. -
Great Fear
Panic had come over France as they were paranoid that the monarchy were going to take revenge out of the peasants. Thousands of Parisan Women armed themselves with knives, axes, etc. and stormed into the palace of Versailles to protest the rising prices of bread killing some of the guards. The women demanded that the King and Queen return to Paris which they later did. This was important becasue there was a shift in power. Radicals were started to make demands of the monarchy and they followed. -
King Louis attempts to escape
After some of his advisers warned Louis XVI that he and his family was in danger, he finally attempted to flee in June of 1791. Louis planned to go to Austria where he would seek refuge. Louis was caught at the border however and was apprehended and returned to Paris with guards. This event is important because this proves how much influence that radicals had on the monarchy and the revolution. -
New Constitution
The National Assembly penned a new constitution that put a limit on the monarchy's power. This constitution brought about the creation of the Legislative Assembly. This body had the power to create laws and also declare war. King Louis was not fond of this new constitution but he reluctantly agreed. This new document split France into supporters, opposers, and moderates. This event was significant because the influence of the monarchy started to decrease and France was still split. -
France at War with Prussia
Prussia intiated an attack on Paris out of fear that their countries will start to revolt. On August 10, men and women invaded the royal family's palace and imprisoned the entire royal family. Thousands of prisoners and citizens were killed by angry mobs and massacres. The Legislative Assembly declared the monarchy dissolved and declared France a Republic. This was an important event because now adult males could vote for their leaders. They also had the ability to hold office. -
King Louis executed
After the monarchy was abolished, King Louis was reduced from a member of the nobility to a common citizen and prisoner. Louis was later tried for treason and found guilty. He was later executed and lead to the guillotine. This event is one of the most significant of the French Revolution because it was really symbolic of the end of the monarchy. There was no doubt now that France was a Republic. -
The Reign of Terror
Maximelien Robespierre became France's dictator. He was very harsh and believed in instilling fear into the French people. Over 40,000 people were executed by guillotine. Robespierre even changed the calender to having 12 months of 30 days a month per year with no Sundays because Sundays were religious and faith was dangerous. Robespierre was executed on July 28, 1794. This event changed France and made the citizens afraid. This was the radical phase of the Revolution. -
Napoleon Bonaparte
When royalist rebels attacked the National Convention, Napoleon's army defended the delegates thus making him a hero. He was hailed throughout Paris as a savior. Later in 1796 Napoleon was appointed to lead a French army against Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia. It was in Europe that Napoleon won a series of battles and became known as a war genious. This event is important because it shows how Napoleon gained the trust and credibility in France from the French people. -
Coup d'etat
Napoleon and his troops surrounded the national legislature and drove out the majority of its members. The legislature then dissolved the Directory and created three consuls. This allowed Napoleon to take the position of first consul and assume the control and powers of a dictator. Napoleon ended the war with Britian, Austria, and Russia in a peace agreement. This event is important because this was the first time Europe was at peace in ten years. This also meant France had a new dictator. -
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon restored order to France by accepting most of the changes made from the Revolution. He set up effective tax methods, established a banking system, set up public schooling, and created an agreement that the church would be recongnized but had no political power. This gained the favor of the church and the French people. This code also restricted freedom of speech and press. This is important because it ended the Revolution and eventually Napolean crowned himself as Emperor.
