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Storming of the Bastille
Many feared that foreign troops would come to Paris to massacre French citizens. In an attempt to build up their defences, a mob stormed the Bastille, a French prison, in search of weapons and gunpowder. The mob took control of the building and nearly 100 people were killed as a result. This event is significant because it was the French people's first victory against the Old Regime. It is celebrated in France as a national holiday Source: Textbook -
Louis XVI Executed
The National Convention turned Louis XVI, the King of France, into a common citizen and a prisoner. Louis was tried and found guilty for treason. On this day, he was executed using the guillotine. This event is significant because the absolute authority has been overthrown, showing that power has now shifted to another party that has opposing views to the king. Source: Textbook -
Robespierre Assumes Control
Maximilien Robespierre slowly rose to power until becoming the leader of the Comittee of Public Safety. He began to rule France almost as a dictator. His period of rule was called the "Reign of Terror". This event is significant because it shows how easily and abruptly a single person could come into power, demonstrating France's unstability at this time. Source: Textbook -
Robespierre Executed
Some members of the National Convention, fearing their safety, demanded the arrest and execution of Robespierre. Robespierre was sent to the guillotine and executed. This brought an end to the "Reign of Terror" that lasted for about a year. This event is significant because it led the National Convention to draft a new form of government. Source: Textbook -
Napoleon Takes Control
At this time, the Directory began to lose control and confidence from the French people. Seeing an opportunity, Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops surrounded the French national legislature and drove out most of its members. They seized control and Napoleon became the dictator of France. This event is significant because Napoleon would later become France's emperor and military leader who would further the French Revolution. Source: Textbook -
Napoleon Crowned as Emperor
Napoleon, supported by French voters, decided to make himself emperor. On this day, he walked down the aisle of the Notre Dame Cathedral. He removed the crown from the Pope and placed it on his own head. This event is significant because Napoleon now has absoute rule over France. His act of placing the Pope's crown on his head indicated that he was now more powerful than the church. -
Napoleon Surrenders
After being defeated, Napoleon's generals refused to continue fighting. Napoleon accepted terms of surrender and gave up his throne. He was exiled to the island of Elba. This event is significant because it temporarily brought Napoleon's rule to an end. Source: Textbook -
Congress of Vienna
(Started in September of 1814 and ended in June of 1814)
The Congress of Vienna was an international conference in whcih preventive measures were created to avoid future conflicts. It made the countries around France stronger to help create a balance of power. It also resotred Europe's royal families as they had been before Napoleon's conquests. This event is significant because it prevented war in Europe for 40 years and was the precedent of organisations such as the UN. Source: Textbook -
Napoleon Returns to France
Napoleon escaped from the island of Elba and landed in France on this day. The crowds excitedly greeted him upon his reentry. Napoleon soon regained his position as Emperor of France. This event is significant because Napoleon was back in control and with the support of the French people. Source: Textbook Source: Textbook -
Battke of Waterloo
Napoleon and his army fought against the British and Prussians at the village of Waterloo. After two days, Napoleon and his forces were defeated. Napoleon was later exiled to the island of St. Helena. This event is significant because it brought about an end to Napoleon's rule, allowing freed European countries to establish a new order Source: Textbook
