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The National Assembly Declares the Tennis Court Oath
On June 20, 1789, the commoners were locked out of the Estates-General meeting, and they gathered at a nearby tennis court to swear they would not disband until they had drafted a new constitution for France. -
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The Estates General Meets at Versailles
The Estates-General convenes in May 1789 at Versailles to address the financial crisis in France. This meeting marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The common people felt unfairly treated and soon broke away to form the National Assembly, signaling a power shift in France. -
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Storming of Bastille
A wave of revolutionary hysteria sweeps through Paris, leading to fears of a military coup. In retaliation, rebels storm the prison fortress of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. Paris falls from the King’s control. Today this date is celebrated as Bastille Day in France. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
On August 26, 1789, the National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, outlining individual freedoms and rights. -
The Monarchy is Overthrown
In August 1792, the French monarchy was gotten rid of after the monarchy’s opposition to revolutionary reforms. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were imprisoned, and the First French Republic was declared on September 21. -
The Reign of Terror
From September 1793 to July 1794, the revolutionary government, led by Maximilien Robespierre, executed tens of thousands, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, using the guillotine. -
Napoleon Bonaparte Seizes Power
On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup and overthrew the French Directory, establishing the Consulate and effectively ending the revolution. -
Napoleon Bonaparte Crowns Himself Emperor
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in a ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.