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Tennis Court Oath
The Third Estate was locked out of the Estates General and wanted to create a new constitution to address the wants of the common people. This marked the beginning of the National Assembly and set the stage for the French Revolution by challenging the royal authority -
Storming of the Bastille
The French people were upset with the widespread poverty and high prices for food, which led them to storm the Bastille. The fall of the Bastille symbolized the collapse of royal authority in France and became a rallying point during the French Revolution. -
Haitian Revolution
Slaves in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, inspired by the French revolution, revolted against their French colonial masters. The Revolution led to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
The French Revolutionaries aimed to establish a new political order based on principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Declaration became a base for human rights in France, influencing future democratic reforms -
October March on Versailles
Woman and revolutionary activists, angered by food shortages and high bread prices, marched to Versailles to demand action from the king. The march forced King Louis XVI and his family to move to Paris. -
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
The National Assembly attempted to bring the Catholic Church under state control by reorganizing its structure. The Civil Constitution of the Clergy created a division between the Church and the state, which lead to unrest the dislike of many Catholics. -
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September Massacres
Fears of counter revolutionary uprisings and invasions by foreign powers led to paranoia and distrust within the revolution. The Massacres led to the killing of thousands, which strengthened the power of radical revolutionaries. -
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was seen as a symbol of the old government and was viewed as a traitor for attempting to flee France, leading to his trial. His execution ended the French monarchy and escalated the revolution into new phases. -
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Reign of Terror
The French Revolution entered a radical phase under the leadership of Robespierre, who would go to extreme lengths to protect the Revolution and its cause. The Reign of Terror resulted in the death of thousands, including politicians. -
Thermidorian Reaction
Growing fear and dissatisfaction with the Reign of Terror, led to the downfall of Robespierre. The Thermidorian Reaction resulted in the fall of Robespierre, and a shift towards a more moderate government. -
Concordat with Napoleon and Pope Pius VII
Napoleon sought to ally with the Catholic Church, which had been alienated during the Revolution, to gain more support. The Concordat would restore some power to the Catholic church in France but would still be under the state's power. -
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon sought to unify and stabilize France after the Revolution by creating a solid legal system. The Napoleonic Code would spread across all of France and influence legal systems across all of Europe. -
Napoleonic Code is passed across the French Empire
Napoleon aimed to create uniform legal codes to solidify his rule and replace the feudal laws across the territories he controlled. The Code became a model for legal systems across the world. -
Napoleon crowned Emperor
Napoleon sought to solidify his power and restore stability after the Revolution by taking the title of Emperor. His coronation symbolized the end of the French Republic and marked the start of the Napoleonic Empire. -
Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon attempted to invade Britain by first defeating the British navy, which stood as the last major obstacle to his expansion. The British victory at Trafalgar ensured British naval dominance. -
Battle of Austerlitz
Napoleon sought to consolidate his power in Europe by defeating the Russians and Austrians, who were members of the Third Coalition. The French victory solidified Napoleon's dominance over Europe. -
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Peninsular War
Napoleon's invasion of Spain and Portugal, which aimed to enforce the continental system. Napoleon also wanted to place his brother on the Spanish throne. The war drained French resources and sparked a widespread rebellion. -
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Invasion of Russia
Napoleon sought to compel Russia to follow his Continental System, which aimed to isolate Britain economically. The campaign would lead to a complete disaster, which severely weakened Napoleon's army. -
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Congress of Vienna
After Napoleon's defeat, European leaders wanted to restore stability and redraw Europe to prevent future conflicts. The Congress established a new balance of power in Europe, aiming to prevent the rise of another European superpower. -
Escape from Elba
Napoleon, after being exiled to the island of Elba following his abdication, escaped due to dissatisfaction with his exile and the desire to reclaim power. Napoleon's escape led to the Hundred Days, during which he briefly regained power before being defeated at Waterloo.