French revolution timeline

  • Estates general called

    Estates general called
    In 1789, the King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates General. He called the meeting because the French government was having economic problems. It was the first meeting of the Estates General called since 1614
  • National assembly formed

    National assembly formed
    The National Assembly was a revolutionary assembly founded by the candidates of the third estate of the Estates-General.  It was established because the king refused to give them more power in the Estates general meeting. This Assembly was called the "National Assembly" because they spoke for at least 96% of the nation. 
  • Tennis court Oath

    Tennis court Oath
      On June 20, the national assembly got locked out of their normal meeting space at Versailles, so they relocated to a neighbouring indoor tennis court. They swore an oath there never to separate until France had a written constitution put in place. 
  • The Storming of the Bastille

    The Storming of the Bastille
    A state prison on the east side of paris was raided by a angry mob. The angry mob stayed persistent and fought the bastille in a violent fight. They eventually broke into the prison and stole a bunch of ammunition and guns and let loose the prisoners. This was a symbol for the monarchy and kind of foreshadowed what was yet to come
  • Constitutional Monarchy Formed

    Constitutional Monarchy Formed
    The French Constitution of 1791 was the first constitution ever drawn up in France. It was established following the fall of the Ancient regime's absolute monarchy. Adopting constitutionality and establishing popular sovereignty was one of the revolution's key principles.
  • Mob Overthrows the Constitutional Monarchy, New National Convention, France a Republic

    Mob Overthrows the Constitutional Monarchy, New National Convention, France a Republic
    Armed people who wanted change stormed the Tuileries place. France got scared and abolished the monarchy and established a republic. Following the fall of the monarchy, the National Convention was chosen to establish a new constitution for the country. The Convention had 749 deputies, including businesspeople, craftsmen, and a handful of professionals.
  • King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette Beheaded

    King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette Beheaded
    On 21 January 1793, Louis XVI was executed by a guillotine. Marie Antoinette's trial began on 14 October 1793, and she was convicted of high treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal two days later and killed, again by guillotine, on the Place de la Révolution.
  • Reign of Terror Begins

    Reign of Terror Begins
    With military conflict spreading from the Vendée and violent armies surrounding France everywhere, the Revolutionary government decided to wreak havoc on those suspected of being against the revolution (nobles, priests, and hoarders).