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The Estates-General Meeting
A meeting where King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General to discuss the country's financial and political instability. This meeting encouraged the Third Estate to break off as they did not agree with topics discussed. -
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The French Revolution
A period of societal and political change containing various wars in the form of a rebellion. The unfair treatment of the Third Estate motivated them to never separate until this was changed. There were many more events that eventually ended up with the execution of King Louis XVI and the rise of Napoleon. -
The Tennis Court Oath
A meeting with the members of the Third Estate agreeing to never separate until a new Constitution was established. This event formed independence for the Third Estate and motivated a rebellion. -
The Storming of the Bastille
A massive group of people attempt to seize control of the medieval armory and fortress known as the Bastille with the goal of individual rights. This event started the French Revolution. -
The Great Fear
A period of widespread panic and riot by peasants within rumors of an "aristocratic conspiracy". This event strengthened the power of people and formed new rights. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
A human civil rights document from the French Revolution by France's National Constituent Assembly. This document highlights the undeniable rights of man. -
The execution of King Louis XVI
Louis XVI was publicly executed after attempting to run away with his family. The execution of King Louis XVI opened many opportunities for future rulers such as Napoleon. -
The Reign of Terror
A period of numerous public executions from accusations of treason and the belief that individuals were against the Revolution. This event started the rise of Napoleon. -
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The Reign of Terror
A massacre of many individuals who were accused of treason against the Revolution. These executions primarily used the guillotine. -
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Coup d'etat
Napoleon overthrew the Directory and replaced it with the French Consulate. This event marked the end of the French Revolution and the beginning of Napoleon's dictatorship. -
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The First Empire (Napoleon)
Napoleon crowns himself emperor and quickly expands his empire. Throughout the span of his empire, he was successful in many battles, until ultimately losing, ending his empire. -
Congress of Vienna
A series of diplomatic meetings to layout the structure of political order after the downfall of Napoleon. The Congress of Vienna had a massive impact on the balance of powers. -
Battle of Waterloo
A battle fought near Waterloo between Napoleon's French army and two armies of the Seventh Coalition. Napoleon's French army was defeated in this battle, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars.