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Storming of the Bastille
One of the first big sparks of the revolution, revolutionaries stormed the garrison at the Bastille because it was a symbol of royal authority and housed key gunpowder stocks. It fell with relative ease and royal officials and their regiments left Paris, along with many nobles. Bailly became mayor and established a communal legislature after the execution of the city's politicians. -
The Constitution of 1791 establishes a constitutional monarchy in France
The Constitution of 1791 was the country's first official constitution after the upheaval brought upon by the storming of the Bastille. It established a weak constitutional monarchy that did address some socioeconomic reform but didn't satisfy many radical revolutionaries. The unpopularity of the continued monarchy led to the rise of the Jacobins to near-absolute power and the Reign of Terror. -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
The radical Jacobins seized power from the weak constitutional government and established the First Republic, which was mostly controlled by the Committee of Public Safety. Robespierre exercised tyrannical power through the Committee and enforced a strict policy of death for suspected counter-revolutionaries. This would lead to a Thermidorian reaction and a brief White Terror in which many leading Jacobins were executed. -
The Directory is Installed
The Directory was the result of the moderate counter-reaction to the Reign of Terror. It established a new bicameral legislature and five directors with executive power. However, it proved relatively ineffective and was plagued by constant warring and economic issues. These problems would set the stage for Napoleon's rise to power. -
Napoleon's Coup d'État
The French Revolution was officially ended when Napoleon overthrew the Directory. Though he was returning from a relatively unsuccessful campaign in Egypt, Napoleon was hailed as a military hero. He took the Directory by force and established a new government as "First Council", sharing some power with Sièyes and Duclos. Soon after, he was installed in Luxembourg Palace. -
Continental System Imposed
In order to destroy British commercial opportunity in Europe, Napoleon mandated the Continental System, a total blockade of the British. However, it was largely unsuccessful and led to the disastrous invasion of Russia when they disobeyed the system. -
Napoleon invades Russia
Russia began to ignore Napoleon's continental blockade and he responded with force, throwing all of France's resources into a massive invasion. Russian commanders baited Napoleon all the way to Moscow where his army froze and starved during the winter. As a result, Napoleon was exiled to Elba. -
Napoleon is Exiled to Elba
After Napoleon's defeat in Russia, Napoleon offered to step down and promote his son to power. His offer was refused and he abdicated the throne and was exiled in Elba. This would be relatively brief as he escaped and returned to power in March 1815, but it marked the decline of French power.