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National Assembly and Declaration of Rights
Identification: The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.
Explanation: The declaration asserts the equality and rights of citizens, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against absolute monarchy. -
Finiancial Crisis
Identification: Excessive spending and poor harvests lead to a financial crisis in France.
Explanation: Economic difficulties contribute to public discontent, setting the stage for revolutionary sentiments. This crisis prompts the calling of the Estates General. -
Estates General Convenes
Identification: King Louis XVI calls the Estates General.
Explanation: The convocation is in response to the financial crisis but leads to the formation of the National Assembly, challenging the absolute monarchy. -
Storming of the Bastille
Identification: The storming of the Bastille.
Explanation: Symbolizing the people's rejection of royal authority, it sparks widespread rebellion and becomes a powerful symbol of the revolution. -
The Great Fear
Identification: The Great Fear in the countryside.
Explanation: Rural unrest leads to the widespread seizure of noble land, weakening feudalism, and solidifying revolutionary gains. -
Women's March on Versailles
Identification: The Women’s March on Versailles.
Explanation: Thousands of women demand bread, forcing the royal family to relocate to Paris, symbolizing the shift in power towards the people. -
Constitution of 1791
Identification: The Constitution of 1791 sets up a constitutional monarchy in France.
Explanation: It establishes a constitutional framework, limiting the king's power and creating a constitutional monarchy. -
War Declared on Austria
Identification: The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria.
Explanation: War intensifies revolutionary fervor and leads to internal conflicts, including the rise of radical factions. -
Reign of Terror 1793-1794
Identification: Robespierre's Reign of Terror.
Explanation: The radical phase of the revolution, marked by mass executions, emerges in response to internal and external threats to the revolution. -
Directory Installed
Identification: The Directory is installed.
Explanation: The Directory attempts to bring stability after the Reign of Terror but faces challenges, paving the way for Napoleon's rise. -
Napoleon's Coup d'État
Identification: Napoleon's coup d'etat, overthrowing the Directory.
Explanation: Napoleon seizes power, ending the revolutionary phase, and establishing himself as the leader of France. -
Napoleon Declared First Consul
Identification: Napoleon is declared First Consul.
Explanation: Consolidating power, Napoleon takes steps towards authoritarian rule, setting the stage for his eventual rise to emperor. -
The Continental System
Identification: The Continental System is implemented.
Explanation: An economic blockade against Britain, it leads to strained relations with other European powers and contributes to Napoleon's downfall. -
Napoleon's Defeat in Russia
Identification: Napoleon is defeated in Russia.
Explanation: The disastrous Russian campaign weakens Napoleon's forces, eroding his influence and encouraging his enemies. -
Napoleon's Defeat at Leipzig (1813) and Waterloo (1815)
Identification: Napoleon is defeated at Leipzig (Battle of the Nations) and Waterloo.
Explanation: These defeats lead to Napoleon's abdication and eventual exile, marking the end of the Napoleonic era and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy.