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French Revolution
The French Revolution was a revolution by the third estate of France to gain more independence and freedom. They wanted to make the government more fair, and redesigned the political system of France. There was lots of bloodshed, people sometimes killed by the thousands. -
The Tennis Court Oath
As the three estates began getting violent in their debates over voting, the third estate met separately in an indoor tennis court. They took the tennis court oath. They promised not to disperse until constitutional reform had been achieved. -
The Great Fear
The Great Fear was a time where peasants rioted and fought about rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy with the king, and an attempt to overthrow the third estate. The peasants killed nobles and destroyed feudal documents. -
The Fall of Bastille
Rumors began to spread that the military was coming to take over. Parisians grew nervous and stored the military fortress Bastille and attempted to secure gunpowder and materials. This is sometimes considered as the start to the French Revolution. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The Assembly adopted this document which is based in the Enlightenment ideals. The document talked about the freedom of speech and the rights of man. -
Women's March on Versailles
As the price of bread skyrocketed, women rioted and went to Versailles to demand fairer prices. The women called to see the king and queen. All the bread in Versailles was distributed to the women. Louis XVI agreed to come back to Paris with his wife and son. -
The Royal Flight to Varennes
After Louis XVI was attacked by multiple mobs, he decided to evacuate the capital with his family. They attempted their escape late in the night, however made decisions that would cause delays to their escape. Before they had the chance to meet with their military escorts, they were discovered and brought in. -
King Louis XVI is Sentenced to Death
After the attempted escape, Louis XVI was sentenced to death. He was condemned to death for treason and crimes against the state. His wife, Marie-Antoinette met the same fate only nine months later. -
The Reign of Terror
The reign of terror was a time following the king's execution in which any known enemies of the revolution were executed. It was murder by the thousands. Much of this was carried out by the orders of Robespierre. -
Constitution of Year lll
The National Convention approved a new constitution that created a bicameral legislature. Executive power would lie in the Directory, made up of five men, and they would be chosen by Parliament. Many people protested this, however were silenced by the army, now under Napoleon. -
Bonaparte's coup d'etat
Bonaparte staged a coup d'etat and overthrew the Directory and making himself 'first consul'. This marked the end of the French Revolution.
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