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Suspected Cause of the French Revolution
Even though there is no one/thing to directly blame for the revolution, years of taxation could be to blame. Especially noting a downward economic spiral of the late 1700s. King Louis XVI brought in a number of financial advisors. Each one said the same thing, France needed a radical change. In the end they were all kick out by the King. -
Meeting of the Estates General
The Estates General was summoned by King Louis XVI with the intention of solving the monarchy's financial crisis. There were three estates at this meeting: the Clergy (1st), the Nobility (2nd), and the Bourgeoisie (3rd). Each estate had one vote and the Clergy and Nobility could overrule the Bourgeoisie. The 3rd estate later decided to form their own National assembly after fearing that they would be forced to bear the financial crises. -
Fall of the Bastille
An angry crowd of unemployed, hungry Parisians marched on the Bastille symbolizing the hate for their government. The mob was met by the commander of the Bastille, Marquis de Launay and his troops, but it was no match, the mob had prompted the surrender of the small army. After learning of the fall of the Bastille, King Louis XVI withdrew the royal troop from the french capital. But it was no match, the revolution was in full swing. -
Abolition of Fuedalism
While some questioned what really caused it, historians agree that the Viscount de Noallies and the Duke is d’Aiguillon proposed the abolition of feudal rights. After meeting, the National Assembly agreed to abolish game-laws, the purchase and sale of posts, favorism in taxation, etc. This abolition provided equality between all of the Estates. -
Fleeing to Austria
While the National Assembly continued to work on a new constitution for France, the members decided to impose limits to the king's authority. The king would have veto power but could be overruled by the National Assembly. These restrictions did not sit well with King Louis XVI -
Dissolution of the National Assmbly
The new constitution for France came into effect proclaiming that France is a constitution monarchy. The National Assembly was then dissolved and replaced by a new political body called the Legislative Assembly. This committee was made up of various political parties ranging from royalists to republicans. It was also agreed earlier that past members of the National Assembly would not hold a seat in the Legislative Assembly. -
War is Declared
The issue of war bounced in the heads of the Legislative Committee. France was viewed with both anger and fear by the European Monarchies, especially by the Austrian monarchy. Louis XVI and some monarchist had been waiting for war because they believed that foreign enemies would easily overthrow their new government. The revolutionist wanted war because the believed that it would unify their nation if they won. -
Attack on Tuileries Palace
A crowd of about 20,000 people marched to and attacked the Tuileries Palace. The King and Queen fled the Palace placing themselves under the protection of the Legislative Committee. Fearing further violence, the Legislative Assembly put them under arrest. The revolution was turning into a more thourogh phase. During the next month, hundreds of suspected royalist were elicited in what is now called “the September Massacre”. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
In August, the royal family was arrested and imprisoned. In September, the monarchy was abolished by the National Convention. In November, evidence of counterrevolutionary with other foreign countries was discovered, he was put on trial for treason. The next January, King Henry XVI went to the guillotine. -
Napoleon
The Committee of Public Safty was noticing great sucess especially from their young general by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s forces drove through Italy and reached as far as Egypt before experience defeat. With Napoleon at the reigns, the revolution ended. And France went into a 15 year period of military rule.
