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Period: to
French Revolution
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Estates General called to meet at Versailles
The political and financial situation in France grew worse, so Louis XIV called the estates general to meet. Louis XIV spoke first, on why they were called. Baretin and Necker also spoke about the issue. And with a deficit of 56 million, they thought they could make up for it with taxes. Commoners were then upset because they knew they would have to pay so much, so they essentially took matters into their own hands. That is how the revolution started. -
The Third estate declares itself the National Assembly
After the failed attempt to have the three estates make up, the third estate declared themselves as the national assembly. But rather than the assembly of the estate, the assembly of the people. They did this so the people could have a voice too, since with the three estates voting past, they saw they were not allowed one. So, essentially they did it to have a fair voting system looking forward. They not only came together, but they also drafted a new, fair constitution. -
Oath of the Tennis Court is Sworn
This was where the new National Assembly met in an indoor tennis court to establish the new Constitution or France. They made an oath to not leave the room until the constitution was established. The whole purpose of this was to create fair rules. Since before, it was seen that the third estate wouldn't get much say in things like voting. This marked a special time in history for the third estate/National Assembly. -
Women March on Versailles and force the royal family to return to Paris
After the Bastille was stormed the National assembly took away feudal rights and created the Declaration of Man, people fled knowing there were more decisions for the National Assembly to make. That led to poor harvest. Women of the time relied on the bread sales. So, they all agreed to march to Versailles. They carried weapons and food, they were going to get Louis XIV to come back to Paris, to his people, and help fix things. They were able to convince him, and they went back to Paris. -
The National Church is established
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy were looking to reorganize and re establish the Catholic Church in France. Through this, they wanted to include the new ideas of the revolution. So, they made church a law for the people. But, many people were upset about the amount of wealth and land the church had. In the end, people wanted to get rid of whatever had to do with church. But, with Louis XIV as a religious man, he wouldn't allow this to happen. -
France declares war on Austria
France worried that Austria would let Louis XIV rule again. They didn't want Louis XIV to rule, because he created lots of conflict with the people. They also wanted to spread their new ideas across Europe. Not only that, but they soon looked to unify the countries. So, the Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria in April of 1792. -
Louis XIV is executed
The day after Louis XIV was said to have a conspiracy with foreign powers, he was executed by guillotine. This was due to the several financial crisis' he couldn't help France with, and there was lots of conflict afterwards. He had fled to Austria, he was also taken prisoner after attacks by the Parisian mob. And, the monarchy was abolished. So, the people of France found many reasons in which this would be reasonable. -
Robespierre and the Mountain organize the Committee of Public Safety and arrest Girondins leaders
The committee was established, and they got all power in France. This led to the Reign of terror, which later on led to lots of darkness in France. Robespierre, the representative of the third estate belonged to the Jacobin/Mountains. They had different beliefs than the Girondins. The committee, run by the Jacobins had enough power (all of it) so, they decided to get rid of the Girondin leaders, after they had turned to violence against them. -
Robespierre is executed
Robespierre, who was the third estate's representative was overthrown/executed by the National assembly. Not only that, but he was also the leader of the Committee of Public safety. The National assembly was not happy, when over 1,400 revolution enemies were executed per his request. So, they arrested him and some of the Jacobin. After being taken to jail and attempting to flee, he shot himself, but it only injured his jaw. The next day he was executed by guillotine . -
Napoleon defeats Austrian armies in Italy and returns triumphant to Paris
Napoleon led the French army in Italy to defeat the Austrian army. He wanted to force them out the islands on the Mediterranean sea. He surprised them with the battle, to have more of an advantage. The battle became known as the battle of Lodi. The Italian city-states weakened after this. Then, all of those city-states were weakened so much to almost nothing, so they surrendered to French control. -
Napoleon overthrows the directory and seizes power
Napoleon put together an alliance. This alliance consisted of political figures. What they wanted to do was overthrow the directory. Then, afterwards, with the new constitution he was granted all power. This established a dictatorship for him in France.
