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Meeting of the Estates General
The bankruptcy that France was facing caused Louis to order more taxes on nobility however the Second Estate decided to call up a meeting. This became known as the meeting of The Estates General where a representative from each group had to approve of this new tax. This was the first time in a while in which the three estates had met and opposed a plan of Louis XVI. -
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Formation of the National Assembly
The French economy was in shambles by the late 1700's causing bankruptcy and angry citizens. Many members of the middle class who were of the Third Estate delegates had wished for the government to make changes which is why they insisted all estates met and took votes. They decided to establish the National Assembly which ended the absolute monarchy and began a representative government. This act was the first of many to come suggesting a revolution. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Thir Estate went to their meeting hall only to find the door locked. In confusion and suspecting emotions they rushed to an indoor tennis court nearby. There, they decided to swear by the Tennis Court Oath promising to stay put until they had created a constitution that gave the power to the people. This was the first time that French citizens stood against Louis XVI and it inspired many more acts to come. -
Storming the Bastille
Rumors in Paris led people to believe that Louis would use military force against and that foreign troops were coming to attack the French people. This is when citizens began to gather their weapons in order to defend their city. On July 14th a mob stormed Bastille (a prison in Paris). The angry mob killed many guards and paraded the streets with power. The fall of Bastille was the first violent act of the revolution as it took 100 lives and became a symbolic national holiday. -
The Rights of Man
Out of revolutionary ideals, the National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This reflected the Declaration of Independence and stood for all men being equal and free in rights. The document guaranteed that all citizens had equal justice, freedom of speech, and even freedom of religion. -
Women March to Versallies
Also known as the bread march, the Women's March to Versailles was when thousands of Parisian women rioted over the rising price of bread. With weapons, women marched and demanded the National Assembly take action to provide bread. This lasted for a while until they turned their anger on the king and queen. They broke into the palace and killed a few guards. Their efforts proved effective and this event signified change and power for the people of France. -
Louis Tries to Escape
As the National Assembly restructured the relationship between church and state Louis XVI pondered his position as monarch. People were warning him that his family and himself were in grave danger. He felt unsafe and in June of 1791, he tried to escape to the Austrian Netherlands. However, they were caught and returned by guards to Paris. His escape influenced many citizens opposing him to become even stronger of enemies sealing his fate. -
Tricolor Cockade
Revolutionaries began wearing red, white, and blue cockades or even badges to identify themselves as revolutionaries. The red and blue symbolized Paris while the white was the House of Bourbon. The colors were so powerful that they were chosen for the French flag. The colors brought attention to the french Nation and their outright desperation for change. -
Reign of Terror
Robespierre assumed control in the early months of 1973. He set out to build a republic of virtue by erasing France's past. He wanted to change the calendar and close all churches. He basically became a dictator and used/justified terror as punishment for those who opposed him. The end of terror came when he was sentenced to death by the guillotine. However, this sent the French spiraling into confusion as they needed a plan for their government. -
Napoleon Crowned Emperor
Napoleon created great reform for the people of France during their chaotic era. He sought to control the rest of Europe and bring French power into the Americas. He supported many changes in the revolution as well as laws that would strengthen the central government and achieve the goals of the revolution. He raised the economy to a solid footing and established a successful national banking system. Napoleon made great changes for the French and changed their history immensly.