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The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen was one of the vital papers that caused the French Revolution. The Declaration lists off multiple rights such as: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, as well as the separation of powers. The Declaration was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.This document let French citizens learn more about freedom and less strict forms of government. -
The storming of the Bastille
The Storming of the Bastille was due to a group of Parisians who wanted to control and raid the fortress in order to get weapons. In response to the event there was an outbreak of fighting and eventually the overthrow of King Louis XVI. -
The Constitution of 1791 sets up a constitutional monarchy in France
The Constitution of 1791 was created in order to restore the French government and create a constitutional monarchy. This took complete control out of the hands of one individual and was to protect against tyranny. -
The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria
The Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria in order to feel as if France had some sense of power during the Revolution. Many of the French wanted to spread the revolutionary ideas throughout Europe, and they saw war as a means to go through with that. Other European monarchs threatened to intervene in the French Revolution. -
Robespierre's Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a period of time where many French citizens were being executed due to the French government's (Robespierre's) suspicion of there being enemies of the Revolution. The Reign of Terror only led to France becoming less stable than it already was, pushing for the Revolution. -
Louis XVI is executed at the guillotine
King Louis XVI was convicted of being involved with other foreign powers regarding the French Revolution, so the French National Convention sentenced him to death. This event helped overthrow the French government and push to develop another form of government in order to resolve the issues of the French Revolution; however, it did not work out that way. -
The Directory is installed
The Directory was aimed to create a more constitutionalized government, as there were many issues with the government power in France. The Directory was a committee in France that governed the nation. However, The Directory ultimately failed and led to the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. -
Napoleon is defeated by Horatio Nelson
Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Trafalgar. This was a naval battle between the French and the Spanish off of the coast of Spain. This Battle effected Napoleon's domination throughout Europe as his power would eventually become weaker. -
The Women’s March on Versailles - Napoleon's coup d'etat, overthrowing the Directory
The Women's March on Versailles was due to the lack of food for French Families. The Women marched to Versailles to demand that the French king supply the citizens bread. At this time Napoleon overthrew the French Directory after a successful battle and declared himself the leader of the Directory (First Consul). -
The Continental System is implemented
The Continental System was implemented by Napoleon in order to block Britain's trade with any French ally. This system harmed regions of France that depended on overseas commerce. -
Spanish nationalists overthrow
After Napoleon became the leader of France, he installed his bother Jospeh Bonaparte as the king of Spain. The Spanish citizens still supported the former king Ferdinand VII. The Spanish citizens decide to overthrow the Spanish government being reigned by Jospeh Bonaparte and did so by being victorious in the Peninsular War. -
Napoleon is defeated at Leipzig (Battle of the Nations)
Napoleon being defeated at The Battle of the Nations made the French lose power in Germany an France, making France lose a large amount of their empire. The battle was between France and the allies: Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden. This battle and who was involved can foreshadow the Concert of Europe and their actions against France. -
The Tennis Court Oath
The Tennis Court Oath was an Oath made by the Third Estate early on in the Revolution that declared that the political power should derive from the people rather than the monarchy. It became known as the Tennis Court Oath because it was established at an indoor tennis court after King Louis XVI ordered the individuals to disperse. -
Napoleon is exiled to St. Helena Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was a battle between France against European powers such as: the British, Dutch, Germans, and Belgians. Napoleon lost the Battle of Waterloo and was exiled to St. Helena where he later died. Napoleon's loss at Waterloo marked an end for the Napoleonic Wars. -
Napoleon is exiled to Elba Napoleon is declared First Consul
After Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Leipzig, he was exiled to Elba by the other European powers. After almost a year at Elba, Napoleon escaped and came back to France to become First Consul again. Napoleon was supported by his troops and some of the French citizens.
