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The Estates General is called by King Louis XVI
Identification: King Louis XVI convenes the Estates General on May 5, 1789.
Cause/Effect: This decision triggers the formation of the National Assembly, marking the beginning of revolutionary changes. -
The Storming of the Bastille
Identification: Parisians storm the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny, on July 14, 1789.
Cause/Effect: It fuels the revolutionary fervor, leading to increased defiance against the monarchy. -
The Great Fear in the Countryside
Identification: Peasant uprisings and fear spread through rural areas in July and August 1789.
Cause/Effect: It contributes to the abolition of feudalism as the National Assembly responds to rural grievances. -
The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
Identification: The National Assembly establishes principles of equality and individual rights on August 26, 1789.
Cause/Effect: It symbolizes a shift towards constitutional monarchy and sparks demands for political reforms. -
The Women’s March on Versailles
Identification: Women march to Versailles demanding bread and equality on October 5-6, 1789.
Cause/Effect: The march forces the royal family to move to Paris, symbolizing the people's power. -
The Constitution of 1791 establishes a constitutional monarchy
Identification: France adopts a constitutional monarchy with a limited monarchy on September 3, 1791.
Cause/Effect: The monarchy's power is curtailed, but internal conflicts persist. -
Louis XVI is Executed at the Guillotine
Identification: King Louis XVI is executed during the radical phase of the Revolution on January 21, 1793.
Cause/Effect: It intensifies the revolutionary spirit and contributes to the rise of radical leaders like Robespierre. -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
Identification: Maximilien Robespierre leads the radical Committee of Public Safety from 1793 to 1794.
Cause/Effect: The Reign of Terror ensues, marked by mass executions to eliminate perceived enemies of the Revolution. -
Napoleon's Coup d'État, overthrowing the Directory
Identification: Napoleon seizes power through a coup on November 9, 1799 (18 Brumaire).
Cause/Effect: It marks the beginning of Napoleon's rule and the consolidation of power in a strong executive. -
Napoleon is Declared Emperor
Identification: Napoleon crowns himself Emperor on December 2, 1804.
Cause/Effect: This consolidates Napoleon's power, shifting France towards authoritarian rule. -
The Battle of Trafalgar
Identification: Horatio Nelson defeats Napoleon's navy at Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
Cause/Effect: It establishes British naval supremacy, hindering Napoleon's plans for expansion. -
The Continental System is Implemented
Identification: Napoleon implements the Continental System in 1806 to isolate Britain economically.
Cause/Effect: It leads to economic hardships in Europe and contributes to conflicts with other nations. -
Napoleon is Defeated in Russia
Identification: Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia results in a retreat and massive losses from June to December 1812.
Cause/Effect: This weakens Napoleon's army and diminishes his influence on the European stage. -
Napoleon is Defeated at Leipzig (Battle of the Nations)
Identification: Coalition forces defeat Napoleon's army in Leipzig from October 16-19, 1813.
Cause/Effect: It weakens Napoleon's grip on power, leading to his eventual downfall. -
Napoleon is Defeated at Waterloo
Identification: Napoleon's final defeat occurs at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.
Cause/Effect: This marks the end of the Napoleonic era and leads to his exile to St. Helena.