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Absolutism and the French Revolution
Absolutism within France was a political system associated with kings such as Louis XIII and, more particularly, Louis XIV. Absolutism or absolute monarchical rule was developing across Europe during the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. The result of absolutism in France was the French Revolution, an uprising in France against the monarchy from 1789 to 1799 which resulted in the establishment of France as a republic. -
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette marry
Louis marries Marie when he is 15 years old and she was 14. They would be the last king and queen of the French monarchy. -
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American Revolution
The revolution that occurred in the American colonies when colonists rebelled against the British crown helped to inspire the people of France to do the same in order to be free. -
Louis XVI sends aid to the American Colonies for the revolution
King Louis sent economic aid to the American colonies in order to strike at the British. After the victory at Saratoga, Louis sent more aid and both infantry units and sailors to aid in the fight. -
Writings of John Locke and other Enlightenment thinkers
John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, all had multiple writings about a newer way of thinking and breaking away from the older way of doing things. These writings helped to fuel the revolutionaries to revolt because they wanted more rights and a more modern system in their country. -
Storming of the Bastille
A state prison on the east side of Paris, known as the Bastille, was attacked by an angry and aggressive mob. The prison had become a symbol of the monarchy's dictatorial rule, and the event became one of the defining moments in the Revolution that followed. -
Publishing of the Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen is a civil rights document that outlines the new rights exercised by the new French Republic. These included freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. -
Women's March on Versailles
A large mob of starving women wielding pitchforks, pikes, muskets, and anything else they could get their hands on, marched on Versailles in demand of bread for the starving people whilst the Royals feasted. In the end, the people of France demanded an audience with the Royals, so they were taken to Paris. They would not see Versailles ever again. -
Champ de Mars Massacre
Citizens of France rallied against the decision of the National Constituent Assembly that King Louis XVI was still the king, even though he was under a constitution. This ended in a massacre.Two days before Champ de mars massacre, the National Constituent Assembly issued a decree that King Louis XVI would remain king under a constitutional monarchy. -
First Constitution of France is completed
A short-lived constitution that was written by the French Republic that limited the powers of the monarchs and helped to create the Legislative Assembly. -
Beginning of the Terror
A period of time after the First French Republic was established that saw the death of nearly anyone who opposed the revolution. 16,594 people were sentenced to death, 2,639 of which being in Paris. -
Death of Robespierre
Robespierre was one of the leaders backing the Terror, a period of time when anyone accused of conspiring against the republic was executed. Robespierre was executed after republic leaders turned on him after being tired of The Terror. -
Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign
Napoleon launched a military campaign in Egypt and Syria to protect French trade interests, weaken British access to British India, and establish scientific interest. Napoleon's fleet was destroyed by the British leaving them stranded. Napoleon took advantage of this and continued to conquer Egypt but, after heavy casualties throughout the conquest, his army limped to Egypt and Napoleon would return to France -
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Napoleon as Emperor of France
Napoleon takes total power of France and becomes an emperor in 1804. In 1814 he is defeated while attempting to take Russia and is exiled to the island of Corsica. -
Napoleonic Code is Created
The Napoleonic Code was a set of laws created by Napoleon. These laws granted individual rights, abolished all feudal practices, and stated that women were less than men, banned books, shut down the newspaper, and allow government police to open mail to check for conspiracy. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor of France
In Notre Dame of Paris, Napoleon crowns himself emperor of France. According to legend, during the coranation Napoleon snached the crown from Pope Pius VII and crowned himself as a display of power and authority over all. -
Napoleon is Defeated in His Great Russian Campaign
Napoleon had made it to Moscow and expected the Czar to make an appearance. The governor of Moscow had ordered a full evacuation of the city prior to Napoleon's arrival only leaving behind a few bands of police and anyone else willing to set traps to start large fires. Napoleon occupied the city for a few days before most of it had burned down and he was forced to retreat. During his retreat, his troops faced harsh weather conditions and multiple attacks from Russian cavalry. -
Napoleon is Exiled to Elba
Due to Napoleon's tragic defeat in Russia, he was exiled to the island of Elba. During this time, Monarchy would return to France under the rule of Louis XVIII. Soon after Napoleon's exile, he would manage to sneak past his guards, avoid interception b a British ship, and make a triumphant return to Paris. -
Battle of Waterloo
After Napoleon returned to France, he rallied a force and took his place on the throne in what became known as the 100 days campaign. Napoleon would then attempt to fight back against the allied forces rallying against him at Waterloo but failed. During the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon made several poor decisions that ultimately led to defeat. As a result to his defeat, Napoleon was once again exiled to St Helana where he would die of stomach cancer.
