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Excessive Spending and poor harvest lead to a financial crisis in France
Before and during the Revolution, France was experiencing very heavy economic struggles. The monarchy was known for lavish spending, and the poor harvest meant a food shortage, so many citizens were sent deep into poverty. Thanks to the Seven Years ' War, a large part of their debt was incurred. Many saw no way out of this. There were taxes in place, not that anyone could pay them, and the cold winters prevented food growth. Discomfort grew, and people's desire for change grew with it. -
The Great Fear in the Countryside
This was a time many people were scared that the Revolution would be put to a stop. Many thought nobles or higher-class citizens were plotting to end the Revolution. Because of this stress, it led to attacks from lower-class citizens. Decrees such as the August Decree were released to put citizens' minds at ease as it decreed the end of feudalism. These attacks and fears were largely fueled by food shortages and, during a violent time, perhaps the most important motivators for the Revolution. -
King Louis XVI calls the Estates General
This meeting was between the clergy, nobility, and commoners, and it discussed issues like the famine and the current state of poverty throughout the nation. Unlike the other estates, the third estate used this time to discuss issues such as the unfair voting system and how they were limited in all aspects of the government. The third estate challenged the king's authority as they wanted to create an entirely new, more representative government. Moving powerfully towards the Revolution. -
The First and Second Estates join the Third Estate in the newly formed National Assembly
This union of all estates was a critical movement for the Revolution. With the states joining, they could consolidate power enough to challenge the monarch formally. It was also crucial to the Revolution as it showed recognition of the struggles of the Third Estate, but it caused questions regarding the hierarchy of Society. This would be critical for future movements as they would create documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen that set the standard moving forward. -
The Tennis Court Oath
This event occurred after the third estate had been locked out of a meeting they had been called to. They refused to give in and instead moved to a tennis court where they promised to write a constitution for France. This was a huge movement for the third estate as it marked the beginning of their political movement and fought against the hierarchy. This event showed unity and gave high morale for the cause. -
The Storming of the Bastille
This was an event that began out of fear, fear the king would end the National Assembly, so before he had a chance, they decided to directly challenge the king. This movement showed the strength of the common people against such a daunting foe. It would serve as a symbol for their freedom, but it also severely escalated the movement as they had directly embarrassed the King. Many inspired rose up against the King, even forming the National Guard. -
The National Assembly Adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
This was a crucial moment for the French Revolution because adopting this Declaration entirely accepted and stated the natural rights of man and set the standard for what citizens should be guaranteed. Core principles that built this revolt, like liberty, equality, and fraternity, came from this declaration and would be the basis for future documents. -
The Constitution of 1791 sets up a constitutional Monarchy in France
Setting up the Constitutional Monarchy officially limited the powers of the monarchs and set up a new branch known as the legislative. This was the beginning of a shift towards improving people's voices in the government through voting and affirmed the idea of a social contract. While this movement was very impactful, not all issues were fixed. The country was still in an economic downturn, but it meant they were moving in the right direction. -
The legislative Assembly declares war on Austria
This was a strategic movement; declaring war would force France to unite as they now had a common enemy. Historically, war has increased patriotism as no one wants their country to lose. This was a significant cause of the move towards revolution as the map of Europe changed with it, and ideas came flowing in from new places. While unity did occur, it also caused dissent among citizens as some opposed and others supported the war, increasing tensions and fueling the Revolution. -
Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine
This was an event that impacted all of France, not just those in the Revolution, as it marked the end of an era. When King Louis was killed, the Monarchy died with him. The Revolution stayed very much alive with high tensions between those in the nation. Not only were people fighting in France, but with a dead King, it meant challenges from people outside of France, like Napoleon -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
Robespierre's Reign of Terror was a truly horrific time, with oppression being very prominent. He implemented many things meant to keep revolts at bay, such as the Committee of Public Safety constantly being executed because they were believed to be a part of the revolt. This reign was successful in keeping revolts at bay but those feelings were still very much there. -
The Directory is Installed
The Directory was installed following Robespierre's reign of Terror and was meant to rebuild the country. The Directory had a bicameral legislature and a council of five hundred. The Directory was not very effective. It was very corrupt and made citizens even more discontent. That is not to say they did nothing. They continued many things the National Convention wanted, like a system of elite schools. -
Napoleon is declared Emperor
This was a massive turn in France as they had been moving towards revolutionary ideas with the Directory and forming the bicameral legislative. Napoleon named himself Emperor and began to work on ensuring his power over the country. He set up the Napoleonic Code, which was still used as a basis for future systems as the code supported equality. Napoleon continued his expansion and revolutionized the military. He supported many ideas like nationalism, but the economic downturn occurred again. -
The Continental System is implemented
This policy was created by Napoleon and was meant to target Britain by isolating them and destroying their economy. It stopped trade and formed a blockade. All of this was working towards making Britain surrender. While it did harm Britain, its harm did not stop there, as other countries suffered from not trading with Britain. Napoleon was met with a counter-blockade, and it only enabled his empire's eventual downfall. -
Napoleon is defeated at Leipzig
This battle completely unraveled everything Napoleon had set out to do, removing French power from Germany and Poland. This was a significant loss for Napoleon and a foreshadowing of his downfall, with 38,000 men injured and killed. Napoleon would be kicked out, and the Congress of Vienna would redraw Europe as Napoleon, in his time, had completely shifted the layout of countries with his vast expansion.