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Jacques Necker
Was a Swiss Statesman and financier. Played a crucial role in the French political life from 1776-1789. He was a devout protestant who amassed considerable wealth as a successful banker. -
Jean-Paul Marat
Was a French revolutionary. Was famously murdered in his bath by Charlotte Corday in 1793. He lived in Britain where he Practiced as a doctor. -
Louis XVI
He inherited the throne at the age of 20. Duke of La Vauguyon, provided him a well rounded education. He had an inquisitive and open- minded nature. -
Marie Antoinette
Was an Austrian princess and wife of King Louis XVI. Remains one of the most iconic characters in Versailles rich history. She arrived at the French Court aged fifteen. -
Georges Danton
went to Paris in 1780 to study law. Became one of the most influential and significant leader in the French revolution. Was both a skilled lawyer and a powerful public speaker. -
Charlotte Corday
Was remembered as the assassin of French revolutionary leader (Jean-Paul Marat). Born into a poor but noble family. Was a avowed republican. -
Napoleon Bonaparte
One of the most successful generals of the French revolutionary armies. Was the emperor of France from 1804-1814. One of history's greatest military leaders. -
Calling of the Estates- General
Composed of the three estates, clergy, nobility, and commoners. The role was to advise or support the king. Estates general was a representative assembly in Old Regime France. -
Tennis Court Oath
Dramatic act of defiance by representatives of nonprivileged classes. Was a key moment that set off the French Revolution. The men of the national assembly swore an oath to never stop meeting until a constitution had been established. -
Attack on the Bastille
Mob approached the bastille to demand arms and ammunition. Attackers stormed the prison and released the seven prisoners held there. This symbolized the end of ancien regime. -
Great Fear
A wave of panic that swept the French Countryside. Fearful of plots by aristocrats to undermine the budding peasants and townspeople. Was sparked by economic concerns, news of political developments in Paris, and rumors of counter- revolutionary attacks. -
Flight to Varennes
The royal families unsuccessful escape from Paris during the night of June 19th, 1791. Led to the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Changes peoples attitude towards the king. -
Execution of King Louis XVI
Louis was condemned to death by 380 voted to 310. He was guillotined at de la revolution in Paris. Nine months later his wife was beheaded with same fate. -
Reign of Terror
Was a Climatic period of state-sanctioned violence. There were mass killings of thousands of counter-revolutionary suspects between September 1793 and July 1794. Conflict between two rival political factions. -
The Directory is Formed
Was a committee of five leaders. New constitution was 2 house legislature, and a 5 man executive committee. New government was unstable in the beginning, then factions rose up on all sides, vying for control.